gender role

American  

[jen-der rohl] / ˈdʒɛn dər ˌroʊl /

noun

1. the culturally determined set of behaviors, attitudes, and traits that are considered acceptable for a person based on their gender.

   A woman earning her own living cuts against the traditional gender role where men expect to provide for women.

2. the outward image of being a particular gender that a person presents to others.

   The hospital houses people according to the gender role they live as rather than their legal gender.

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Usage

What are gender roles? A gender role is a way of appearing and behaving that meets cultural expectations based on an individual’s gender. Traditionally, people have been expected to fit into either a male or female gender role.Gender is an individual’s identification as male, female, or another identification that exists between or beyond the spectrum of strictly male or female (such as people who identify as nonbinary). A role is a function or expected behavior pattern. The term gender role is used (especially in the plural form gender roles) to specifically refer to societal expectations of engaging in either stereotypical masculine behavior or stereotypical feminine behavior.Gender roles have become a source of controversy and criticism, and many people have sought to eliminate the need to adhere to them. This is due to the perception that they limit personal freedom, especially as the cultural understanding of gender has moved away from a strict separation between male and female.

Etymology

Origin of gender role

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Dr Mu sees this trend as "indicative of social problems" in China, citing "long work hours, greedy work culture and competitive environment, along with entrenched gender role expectations".

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2025

Kelce said on Wednesday’s podcast episode that on dates, he’s all about playing his chivalrous gender role, keeping an eye out for his companion while out in public.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2023

Her version of Hercules and Omphale also delivers on the gender role reversals, though more playfully.

From New York Times • Oct. 25, 2022

As a now fully transitioned transgender female, a large slice of my relationship with Brad also focused on my gender transition, my gender reassignment surgery and acclimating myself to my new gender role.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 22, 2022

“Gender identity is your own sense or conviction of maleness or femaleness; and gender role is the cultural stereotype of what is masculine and feminine.”

From Salon • Nov. 11, 2018