gender roles

The behaviors and personality characteristics that are attached, often inaccurately, to people because of their sex. For example, men often are expected to be more competitive and aggressive, and women often are expected to be more emotional and nurturing. These gender role distinctions are criticized by feminists and others, but many in society use them to define what is considered “socially appropriate” male and female behavior. Gender role is used, for example, in identifying the mental disorder called gender identity disorder.