Southwest Airlines Professional Communications Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following terms describes "a set of behavioral norms associated with biologically being a male or female in a given society or culture?"

1. Gender Identity

2. Gender Expression

3. Gender Role

4. Gender Norm

The correct answer is: Gender Role

The term that accurately describes "a set of behavioral norms associated with biologically being a male or female in a given society or culture" is gender role. Gender roles refer to the expectations and behaviors that a society prescribes for individuals based on their perceived sex. These roles often dictate how individuals are expected to behave, dress, and interact within various social contexts, serving as a guide for social behavior related specifically to one’s gender. Gender identity refers to an individual’s personal sense of their gender, which may or may not align with their biological sex. While it relates to how a person identifies, it does not encapsulate the societal norms that dictate behaviors associated with being male or female. Gender expression involves how a person outwardly demonstrates their gender identity through clothing, behavior, and personal appearance. While this can be influenced by societal norms, it is more about the individual’s presentation than the broader set of behavioral norms that define gender roles within a society. Gender norm refers to the standards and expectations that a society holds about gender roles, but it is a more abstract concept than gender role itself. Gender norms inform and shape the gender roles that are practiced in society. In summary, gender role specifically captures the expectations and behavioral norms linked to being male or female