Title: 1.5 Applying the concepts of sex and gender
Course: Introduction to gender-based analysis plus GBA+ > Section: Module 1

While sex and gender are distinct concepts – and sexual orientation is not correlated with either of these – the concepts may also be interrelated and can be difficult to tease apart.

When considering whether to collect and use sex- or gender-disaggregated data in your analysis, the default in Government of Canada is to collect gender data. Sex data is to be collected and used only when specifically required, such as for medical research.

In the next few pages you will further explore the concepts of sex and gender by applying them to a specific individual.

You will examine Mary’s health profile to distinguish between her sex and her gender. You will also begin to consider how the two can interrelate.