Gender, Sex & Education

Abstract

The terms 'sex' and 'gender' have in the past, been interchangeably used in the social sciences, despite their definitions being quite different. A better understanding is often formed if the terms are viewed in a more holistic manner. In order to gain a clear understanding of the meaning of sex and gender, the terms need to be viewed in relation to other key concepts of culture and communication. Culture refers to the overt and covert structures and networks in society that perpetuate social norms and attitudes of male and female behaviours. One needs to understand the cultural networks that act as a framework for individual behaviours in order to understand how gender identity is formed and performed. Communication is a process and symbolic activity that individuals use to clarify and understand meaning allocated to behaviours, attitudes and cultures. It is important to note that communication is contextually based and inextricably linked to the cultures of the society.