"A man is a man and a woman is a woman." Rishi Sunak's words were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience at the Conservative PartyA British political party. Members are known as Tories. conference.

There was a very different response from transgenderSomeone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology). rights activists. They worry that his words might lead to more hate crimes against the approximately 260,000 transgender individuals in Britain. "If you don't acknowledge a group of people exist," declared transgender newsreader India Willoughby, "then obviously that group of people don't have rights."

This debate centres around a fundamental question: is gender determined by biology or is it a social construct that can be changed?

The idea that gender is a social construct means that societal and cultural influences, rather than just biology, shape gender roles and identities. It is a position supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), which stated in 2023 that "gender refers to the characteristics of women, men, girls and boys that are socially constructed". This includes "norms, behaviours and roles associated with being a woman, man, girl or boy, as well as relationships with each other".

Some argue that differences in behaviour between men and women are due to biological factors like hormonesChemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another. (testosterone and oestrogen) and chromosomalNearly all human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which store our genetic information. variations.¹ They suggest that these biological differences explain why women are often expected to be nurturing and take care of children.

On the other hand, some argue that society takes minor biological distinctions and turns them into rigidNot easily changed. expectations about how men and women should behave. These gender stereotypes may not accurately reflect reality. People with gender dysphoriaFeelings of discomfort or stress a person feels due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth.  experience deep distress because their gender identity does not match their assigned sex at birth.

Throughout history and across different cultures, gender roles have undergone significant changes. For instance, high heel shoes were once worn by both men and women, and the colour pink was considered suitable for boys, while blue was associated with girls.

Many sociologists argue that gender is performative, meaning individuals actively construct it through their behaviours, clothing, speech, and more. Experts suggest that children learn from a young age how to conform to societal expectations of gender. Gender is continually reinforced through media, advertising, toys, and clothing, underscoring its role as a social process.

FeministSomeone who calls for women's rights and equality of the sexes. thinkers have highlighted how gender stereotypes and roles historically favoured men over women. Women's traditional roles as caregivers and homemakers have often limited their opportunities, and stereotypes have excluded them from intellectual and leadership roles.

In summary, the evidence suggests that gender has significant social dimensions. However, there is ongoing disagreement about whether it is solely a social construct or if biological factors also play a role. It is likely that biology and society interact to shape gendered behaviour. The key is understanding how gender stereotypes and inequalities operate in society to challenge discrimination and rigid norms.

Yes: Gender roles and identities vary widely across different cultures and time periods showing that it is influenced mostly by the ruling culture and ideas of the time and place.

No: There is a biological basis for sex differences, such as the presence of hormones testosterone and oestrogen and chromosomes.

Or... Gender is a complex phenomenon that is shaped by both social and biological factors. The relative importance of these factors is still being debated by scientists and philosophers.

Conservative party - A British political party. Members are known as Tories.

Transgender - Someone whose gender identity (what they feel inside) does not match the gender identity they were assigned at birth (based on their biology).

Hormones - Chemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another.

Chromosomal - Nearly all human cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes, which store our genetic information.

Rigid - Not easily changed.

Gender dysphoria - Feelings of discomfort or stress a person feels due to a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth. 

Feminist - Someone who calls for women's rights and equality of the sexes.