While the terms “gender” and “sex” are often used interchangeably, the two words have significantly different definitions. It could be argued that sex refers to biological essentialism and the idea that we are what we are because of our genetic material. On the other hand, gender is associated with social constructionist theory, which argues that who we are depends on our race, class, and sexuality. Because each person is different in race, class, and sexuality, their gender becomes socially constructed. To argue that gender is not socially constructed would be to say that all people, for example, who are biologically female have the same goals. However, this cannot be true because, in the context of being a woman, that single person varies from another in terms of race, class, and/or sexuality, each of which influences their goals and perspectives differently from their sister , from her friend and neighbor. A person's gender identity refers to their perception of themselves as male or female, as well as being masculine or feminine. Because masculinity and femininity are fluid, rather than static, they depend on the perspective of the beholder. A person's perspective is often influenced by their surroundings and the values ​​they were raised with, which are never identical between two people. Race, class, and sexuality are the underlying factors that influence perspectives and values, thus differentiating the understanding and representation of gender identity from one person to another. When asked to associate characteristics with female or male sex, many equate reproduction and child-rearing with females because they are the ones biologically capable of carrying and giving birth to a child. However… midway through the paper… they begin to impose their own values ​​on society, socially constructed concepts, such as gender identity, have normative and deviant standards. Although these standards exist within society, the concept of norm varies from person to person as their perceptions and beliefs differ from each other. Works CitedCollins, P. (2004). Go Wild: Sex, Children, and Images of Black Womanhood. Black sexual politics: African Americans, gender, and the new racism. New York: Routledge.Dill, B.T. (1986). Our mothers' pain: Ethnic women and supporting families. Memphis, Tennessee: Center for Research on Women, Memphis State University.Han, C. (2006). Being an Oriental, I could never fully be a man: Gay Asian men and the intersection of race, gender, sexuality, and class. Race, gender and class. New Orleans: Jean Ait Belkhir, Journal of Race, Gender, and Class.