2/ Gender - Biological explanation Flashcards
what is the definition of a chromosome?
they carry all the genetic information for an organism. - found in the nucleus of a cell and the 23rd pair of chromosomes determines the biological sex.
what is the definition of a hormone?
chemical substances that are circulated in the blood. testosterone, oestrogen and oxytocin all have a major influence on gender development.
what part do chromosomes play in sex and gender?
23rd determines the biological sex. biological female have XX and male has XY. all normal eggs are produced with an X chromosome and the human sperm will either have a X or Y chromosome.
do male and females initially develop in the same way ?
Yes. several weeks after genetic info on the Y chromosome of an XY triggers the development of the testes.without the Y the XX develops the ovaries. this process is compete when the embryo is about 9 WEEKS old.
what role does testosterone play in sex and gender at 3 months?
at 3 months the testes of an XY foetus produces testosterone and sex male organs develop.without testosterone the XX develops into a female.
what does testosterone do for the brain?
creates a male brain. associated with brain areas linked to spatial skills, competitiveness, aggressiveness.
what does testosterone do a puberty?
a surge of testosterone is responsible for the establishment of secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair and deepening of the voice.
what role does oestrogen play in sex and gender at puberty?
establishment of secondary characteristics such as breast development and directing the menstrual cycle.
what role does oestrogen play in sex and gender for the brain?
creates female brain - two hemispheres are used equally - associated with sensitivity, cooperation, emotionality and irritability.
what role does oxytocin play in sex and gender? when? and what does it promote?
when- high produced at child birth and breastfeeding
‘love hormone’ promotes feelings of bonding, calmness and content in BOTH females and males - thought it helps with bonds with new mothers and their child.
what evidence is there to support the role of testosterone in creating masculine behaviours?
female monkeys were exposed to testosterone before birth and was found that they behaved like males - were more aggressive and engaged in more rough and tumble.
why can we criticise the monkey and testosterone study?
cannot extrapolate results because humans have much more social pressures on them.
what evidence is there to support the role of hormones involving transgenders?
transgender women (male to female) showed lower levels of aggression and visa spatial skills after going under hormone therapy. transgender male showed the opposite.
why does the case study of David Reimer support the role of chromosomes and genes?
never felt content as a girl - after being told his true identity he adopted male. suggests genes and chromosomes are more critical factors than socialisation.
why can we criticise the David reimer case supporting the biological explanation?
case study - no cause and effect and lacks population validity as reimers case is a very unique case.
