könsmässiga

Könsmässiga is a Swedish adjective used to describe something that relates to sex or gender. In biological sciences it can denote sex-based differences between males and females, while in sociology, psychology and cultural studies it often refers to phenomena shaped by gender norms and social roles. The term is generally neutral and descriptive, not inherently value-laden.

Etymology: kön means sex or gender, and -smässig is a suffix forming adjectives meaning “characteristic of” or “pertaining to.” The related adverb is könsmässigt, and the noun form könsmässighet exists though is rare. The interpretation of könsmässiga depends on context: it may refer to biological differences or to socially constructed gender.

Usage notes: In scientific contexts, könsmässiga skillnader may refer to anatomy, physiology, or genetics that differ by sex. In humanities and social sciences, it can describe gendered patterns, power relations, or norms that apply differently to people depending on their gender. To avoid ambiguity, writers often distinguish biological kön (biological sex) from social kön (gender) using phrases such as biologiskt kön and socialt kön or könsidentitet.

Relaterade ämnen: kön, biologiskt kön, könsneutralitet, könsroller och könsidentitet.