Gender refers to the socially and culturally constructed roles, responsibilities, behaviours, expectations and identities associated with women, men and other gender identities. It is different from biological sex. Sex generally refers to biological characteristics, while gender explains how societies define what is considered appropriate for different genders. Gender is therefore not simply a natural or biological category; it is shaped by social institutions, cultural practices, historical conditions and power relations. From childhood, individuals learn gender roles through family, education, religion, media, peer groups and other social institutions. Boys and girls may be encouraged to behave differently, choose different occupations and develop different skills. For example, women have traditionally been associated with domestic work, childcare and caregiving, whereas men have often been expected to become earners, decision-makers and political leaders. Such expectations are socially created and can change over time and across societies. Gender is closely connected with power and inequality. In many societies, patriarchal structures have historically given men greater access to property, education, employment, political authority and decision-making. Women have consequently faced discrimination in both private and public spheres. Gender inequality may appear in unequal wages, limited employment opportunities, unequal distribution of household work, violence