Differences Between Gender Norms and Gender Roles

The easiest way to distinguish between gender norms and gender roles, is to understand that gender roles flow from gender norms. In other words, the values a society has with respect to how a 'male' and 'female' should look and behave, shapes the roles of each gender.

For example, if a gender norm is that males are adventure seeking, outgoing and pragmatic, then the males will gravitate towards role that subscribe to this gender norm. This will manifest in more risk-taking behavour by 'males'. The image below gives further explanation.