The confusion between biological sex and gender and potential implications of misinterpretations

Abstract The concepts of sex and gender are frequently confused in conversation, documentation, and scientific literature even though they are not synonymous. With an expanding perspective of the complex natures of both sex and gender, this confusion is growing. However, these differences have significant implications when applied in the context of forensic and biological anthropology. In this chapter, we will define and discuss the biological concept of sex, how this differs from gender, and why they are not interchangeable. This is underpinned by the recognition that neither sex nor gender is binary, explained by examples of variation in sex and gender identity terminology. This chapter discusses variation, current media attention, the application of the term skeletal material, and considerations for medicolegal professionals as the relationship between sex and gender becomes more complex in modern society.