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Key terms related to gender, gender identity, femininity, masculinity, gender roles, and gender norms Gender Gender is a biological characteristic that determines whether a person is male or female. Gender is based on the body's genitals, hormones, and chromosomes. Gender identity Gender identity is how a person sees themselves as male or female. Gender identity is not based on gender and is a free choice. Femininity Femininity is the characteristics and behaviors that are associated with being a woman. Femininity is culturally defined and it changes over time and place. Masculinity Masculinity is the characteristics and behaviors that are associated with being a man. Masculinity is culturally defined and it changes over time and place. Gender roles Gender roles are the characteristics and behaviors that are expected from a person as a member of a particular gender. Gender roles are culturally defined and they do not depend on gender or gender identity. Gender norms Gender norms are the rules and expectations that society has about how men and women should behave. Gender norms are often based on traditional gender roles and they can be harmful to people who do not conform to them.