Gender is best defined as:

The definition of gender as the meanings and beliefs associated with sex differences is sound because it encompasses the social and cultural dimensions of gender that go beyond mere biological distinctions. While biological differences refer to the physical attributes of being male or female, gender is constructed through social interactions and cultural norms that shape how society perceives and expects individuals to behave based on their sex.

This understanding acknowledges that gender is not static or purely biological; rather, it is fluid and varies across different cultures and historical contexts. The meanings associated with gender can affect everything from personal identity to societal roles, influencing one's opportunities, behaviors, and experiences. By focusing on the beliefs and interpretations related to sex differences, this definition highlights the sociological perspective, which emphasizes the importance of social constructs in shaping human behavior and societal organization.