4 - SEX AND GENDER

Question 1

what is sex?

Answer 1

category of ‘male’ and ‘female’ (typically)

• with respect to molecular (genotype - eg TDF gene or not) and anatomical (eg reproductive organs) features
• but clear categorical distinction is not possible!
• only implicitly assume there are different categories
• slippery slope - no clear cut arguments

Question 2

what are sexual behaviours?

Answer 2

behaviours associated with sexual reproduction

• not clear in humans
• behaviour can’t be clear cut if sex isn’t either (not categorically predefined)
• clear in rats

Question 3

what is gender?

Answer 3

• collection of psychological traits what differ between the sexes
• definition of gender is based on our understanding of the ‘sexes’

Question 4

what is sex typical behaviour?

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benefits if it in rats

Answer 4

simplistic answer =

• things women do that men can’t
• things men do that women can’t
• postures during sexual reproduction
• eg lordosis and mounting in rodents
• rats can only copulate in this position
• so reproductive success relies on co-ordinated sex-typical behaviour
• advantage of genetic / hormonal control of such behaviours

Question 5

what are the only sex typical behaviours in humans?

Answer 5

pregnancy and childbirth

Question 6

statement:

male humans are the only MAMMALS who can raise their young before they’ve been weaned

• job sharing
• other mammals require milk from the mother
• brain allows it

Answer 6

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Question 7

organisational effects of sex hormones in normal XX mammals

Answer 7

• low levels of androgens
• female typical body shape
• female typical brain structures (eg small SDN-POA)

Question 8

organisational effects of sex hormones in normal XY mammals

Answer 8

• high levels of androgens
• male typical body shape
• male typical brain structures

Question 9

activational effect of sex hormones in normal XX mammals

Answer 9

• more female sex hormones (ONLY AFTER onset of PUBERTY)
• triggers female typical sexual behavioural repertoire (series of sexual behaviours)
• reproduce
• more is needed (eg learning)

Question 10

activational effect of sex hormones in normal XY mammals

Answer 10

• more male sex hormones (especially AFTER onset of PUBERTY)
• species-specific male typical sexual behavioural repertoire
• reproduce
• more is needed (eg learning)

Question 11

statement:

rats have to go through puberty before showing sexual behaviour

• surge of sex hormones
• activate structures

Answer 11

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Question 12

information:

gender stereotype is a cultural construct

• boys and girls (under 2) prefer faces to toys = precursor to empathy
• in non human animals (like great apes and whales) females use tools more frequently and effectively (means opposite pattern is due to culture)
• like many primates, but unlike any other great ape, humans are cooperative breeders
• both males, females and alloparents care for infants (empathy needed to care for infants)

Answer 12

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