Which of the following best describes gender?

The correct choice reflects that gender encompasses the social roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female. This understanding of gender recognizes that it is not solely based on biological differences, but rather on social constructs and cultural norms that shape how individuals express themselves and interact within society.

Gender roles can vary significantly across different cultures and societies, illustrating how gender is influenced by socialization rather than just anatomical or physiological traits. This perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of gender, which includes a wide range of identities and expressions beyond the traditional binary view of male and female.

In contrast, while biological characteristics are related to sex, they do not encompass the full definition of gender, which is more about sociocultural constructs. Sexual orientation and sexual identity expression pertain to an individual's attraction to others and the way they navigate their identity, which are separate from the social understanding of gender roles and behaviors.