She clarifies that "Sex is innate, but gender is socially created and learned by individuals" (Wood 1). Sex is determined by genetics and hormones; the terms male and female, boy and girl, man and woman refer to one's biological sex. Sex is to be determined by one pair of chromosomes: the patterns XY for males and XX for females create one's sex.
On the other side, "Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviour, activities and attributes that a particular society considers appropriate for men and women." Additionally, one's interactions and relationships with others continue to strengthen one's gender identity. To begin, "our earliest relationships in nuclear families weave gender into out basic self-concepts" (Wood 1). However, people's gender identities continue to grow through their romantic relationships and friendships individuals experience on their own. It is important to acknowledge "gender is both created by and creative of relationships" (Wood). Specifically, relationships help one determine gender; similarly, gender constructs the foundations of relationships. Ultimately, people must recognize that gender is dynamic, and life experiences will continue to alter a person's gender identity, for people can only identify their gender through experiences.
Works Cited
"Gender Quotes." World Health Organization. 1 Mar. 2009
Wood, Julia T. "Gender Relationships And Communication." Gendered Relationships. Ch. 1. 3- 19.
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