According to the American Psychological Association (APA), gender identity is "one's self-identification as male or female." In addition, some people have a gender identity that is neither male nor female, or a combination of the two. For many decades, gender identity was regarded solely as a personal attribute, but the APA recently formally recognized the "influence of societal structures, cultural expectations, and personal interactions" in the development of gender identity.

A significant body of scientific research establishes that gender identity is, according to the APA, "influenced by both environmental and biological factors." Across the vast majority of cultures in the world, there are classifications and designations of gender most commonly expressed as dichotomously male and female. Most of these cultures...

Use Gale In Context: Science's page on Gender Identity to explore the definitions of terms like "gender identity," "gender roles," "gender dysphoria," and "gender transition." Browse hundreds of sources from academic journals, magazines, newspapers, reference books, and more. Journals range from psychology, biology, and education to philosophy, neuroscience, and religion. Listen to clips from public radio shows like All Things Considered or Morning Edition.