Which theory suggests that an individual's gender is determined by their biological sex?

Biological theories of gender role formation assert that an individual's gender is primarily dictated by their biological sex, encompassing chromosomal, hormonal, and anatomical differences. According to this perspective, these biological factors have a substantial influence on gender identity and roles, suggesting that males and females are predisposed to behave in ways consistent with their biological sex.

This theory emphasizes how physiological characteristics inherently shape experiences and expectations in society, leading to defined roles for each gender. In contrast to this approach, other theories—such as social learning theory, cognitive developmental theory, and gender schema theory—recognize the impact of environmental influences, cognitive processes, and learned behaviors in gender development. While they explore how society and culture reinforce gender roles, they do not posit that biological sex alone determines gender identity.