s*x and Gender. Why is the distinction important?

Question

I've a sociology exam coming up and I'm studying s*x and gender. A common question is: using examples from contemporary society, outline the importance of the distinction between the two concepts.

Answer 1

s*x identifies the individual's anatomy, though not necessarily their chromosomes or total anatomy.  It is important to recognize that individuals can be genetically male (XY) but phenotypically female due to androgen insensitivity.  Similarly, individuals may be genetically male, but appear female for a considerable period of time (guevedoces).  Lastly, there are individuals with secondary s*x characteristics that don't match their primary s*x characteristics, either through partial s*x changes or individual variation (individuals with male primary sexual characteristics but female secondary characteristics).  

Gender is used to describe the role that an individual chooses to take in their society. They may be seen as men, women, and a great variety of other things.  These roles are partially determined by society, and partially by the individual.  They may align closely to anatomical characteristics, or they may be swayed more by individual preference.

Answer 2

s*x is biological ( chromosomal and anatomical)- male or female. Gender is sociological- male or female. Therefore, gender incorporates societies' training and expectations in regards to what it means to be male or female, including traditional gender "roles" .  

An example of why the distinction is important- A person's gender identity does not always match their chromosomal s*x IE people who are transsexual.- Hope this helps

Answer 3

well without gender disticntion there would be confusion to no ends of this earth. people will become confuse their own natural instinct. we are born with the mentality of seeing the other gender as the center of our furious affection. try this: if a group of children were to grow up in an enviroment with no gender identification how do u think the outcome will be? most probably these kids will grow up to not know what there instincts are actually telling them. =D