What term refers to the socially constructed differences between females and males that shape roles and behaviors in society?

The term that describes the socially constructed differences between females and males, which influences roles and behaviors within society, is "Gender." Gender encompasses the expectations, norms, and identities associated with being male or female, extending beyond biological differences. It captures how society views masculinity and femininity, and these constructions significantly influence how individuals express themselves and interact with one another.

Understanding gender is essential because it accounts for the variety of roles and behaviors considered appropriate for different genders, reflecting cultural beliefs, social practices, and power dynamics. The concept of gender illustrates that expectations can change over time and can vary widely across different cultures, which influences everything from personal identity to societal structure.

In contrast, the other terms provided do not capture the same socially constructed nature of gender roles. "Sex" typically refers to the biological differences between males and females, while "Identity" is a broader concept that can include many aspects of a person’s self-perception, including, but not limited to, gender. "Culture" refers to the shared beliefs, practices, values, and social behaviors of a particular group, but it does not specifically denote the differences in roles and behaviors between genders.