sukupuolia

Sukupuolia is the plural form of sukupuoli in Finnish, a term used to refer to sexes or gender categories in humans and other organisms. In everyday language it can denote both biological sex and social gender, while in scientific contexts it is more precise to distinguish these two meanings.

In biology, sukupuoli refers to biological sex, which is associated with anatomy, chromosomes and hormones. Primary sex characteristics are the reproductive organs present at birth, such as ovaries or testes, while secondary sex characteristics develop during puberty and include features like body hair, voice changes and body shape. The traditional view of two sexes (male and female) is common, but biological variation is widespread, including intersex conditions where an individual’s sexual characteristics do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

In social and cultural discussions, sukupuoli can refer to gender — the roles, identities and expectations that a society associates with being male, female or other gender identities. Gender identity is how a person experiences themselves, which may or may not align with their biological sex. Terms such as sukupuoli-identiteetti and sukupuoliroolit are used to describe identity and social roles.

Legal and ethical considerations around sukupuolia include recognition of diverse gender identities, protection against discrimination, and access to appropriate health care. The concept emphasizes that biological sex and gender are related but distinct, and that individuals may identify with a range of expressions beyond traditional classifications.