Which concept explains how society defines masculinity and femininity?

Concept

Social construction is a category or meaning created and sustained through shared norms, institutions, language, and social interaction.

Ideas about gender roles can therefore vary across societies and historical periods rather than being fixed solely by biology.

Application

The question asks how society defines masculinity and femininity. These definitions are shaped through social expectations and cultural practices, so the governing concept is social construction.

Contrast

• Social construction concerns socially produced meanings and expectations.

• Natural selection concerns evolutionary changes in inherited traits across populations.

• Inheritance concerns the biological transmission of traits from parents to offspring.

• Physical development concerns bodily growth and maturation.

Result

Thus, the concept is social construction.