gender role

[ jen-der rohl ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gender role¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Fine—many (though not all) transgender people yearn to take on their felt gender role.

From The Daily Beast

What accounts for this gender role reversal, in which Vanessa pursues and Louie demurs?

From The Daily Beast

The results in other countries committed to gender role busting are much the same.

From The Daily Beast

But his emphasis really lies more in the “grey zone” than alluding to gender role reversal.

From The Daily Beast