Gender roles are the social roles, behaviours, attitudes, and expectations that are considered appropriate, acceptable, or desirable for people based on their perceived sex or gender within a particular culture or society. These roles are often labeled as masculine or feminine and are learned through the process of socialisation from a young age, influenced by family, peers, education, media, and other social institutions. Gender roles can vary significantly across different cultures and can change over time within the same society. While they provide a framework for social interaction and can contribute to a sense of identity, they can also be restrictive and contribute to gender stereotypes and inequalities by limiting individuals' opportunities and expressions based on societal expectations of their gender. The study of gender roles in sociology examines how they are constructed, maintained, and challenged, and their impact on individuals and social structures.