biological explanations and atypical chromosomes Flashcards
chromosomal influence on gender
- 23 chromosomes, 23rd determines sex - female XX zygote male XX zygote, 8 weeks after conception SRY gene on Y chromosome will cause gonads to develop into testes, if absence of this gene gonads will develop into ovaries
hormonal influence on gender
- testosterone - develops male organs, masculinises the brain, responsible for spatial skills, thought to be implicated with aggression, competitiveness etc
- oestrogen - development of female organs + breasts, feminisation of brain, increases neural connections between hemispheres, been implicated with verbal memory (why females better at linguistic skills)
- oxytocin - relseased during positive social interactions, stimulates uterine contractions during labour and facilitates breastfeeding for bonding, higher in women, creates bonds and attachements
case of David Reimer and what does it show
circumcision went wrong, penis was burnt off so parents from the advice of a dr decided to raise him as a girl but found that he still showed masucline traits and wanted masculine toys showing gender isnt a social construction but is determined by chromosomes and hormones
evaluation of chromosomes and hormones in determining gender (research support)
- supported by Young who found in mice when females were given male hormones they showed masculine traits + vice versa showing gender is determined by our genetic makeup however hard to generalise as humans have more complex brains
- but Hines found girls who had CAH meaning overexposed to testesterone as an embryo showed no masucline traits = gender isnt influenced by hormones however social factors may be EV (parents raise them femininely)
- case of David Reimer shows chromosomes have an impact however only one person = cant generalise
evaluation of chromosomes and hormones in determining gender (issues and debates)
- biologically reductionist, reduces gender to level of chromosomes + hormones, psychodynamic looks at importance of childhood experiences + cognitive at how our development of schemas may affect this, simplifies a complex behaviour (gender) down to a single reason (biology) - in tribes found women were the dominant gender = not complete
- ignores social factors, Hofstede et al suggests gender roles around the world are a consequence of social norms than biology, individualistic cultures place independance over community and masculinity is more valued than in collectivist cultures
what does atypical mean
any sec chromosome that deviates from the usual XX/XY
what is klinefelter syndrome
where men are born with an extra X chromosome (XXY) still genetically male and often wont realise they have the extra X but sometimes it can require medical care - affects around 1 in every 660 males
physical symptoms of Klinefelters
- taller than average - long arms and legs
- broader hips than usual
- poor muscle tone
- reduced facial hair
- small penis and testicles
- infertility
- excessive breast tissue
behavioural/psychological symptoms of Klinefelters
- shyness and lack of confidence
- increased passivity/lack of agression
- problems with reading/writing
- low sex drive
- emotionally sensitive/depressed
what is turner syndrome
female only genetic disorder - affects about 1 in ever 2000 girls - only has one X chromosome instead of XX so they have XO - this happens randomly when baby is concieved in the womb
physical symptoms of Tuners syndrome
- short in stature
- underdeveloped ovaries, resulting in lack of monthly periods and infertility
- short or webbed neck
- lack of breast tissue
behavioural/psychological symptoms of turners syndrome
- good reading and listening skills
- poor mathematical ability
- social immaturity
atypical chromosomal patters STRENGTHS
- useful as helps to develop our understanding of nature-nurture debate and support biological approach of gender - compare individuals with and without these patterns to establish cause and effect + could lead to increase in treatments
- C = difficult to establish cause and effect as psychological effects may be due to social factors e.g. shy due to their body type
atypical chromosomal patterns LIMITATIONS
- pressumed contributions of these syndromes is based on idea that there are ‘typical’ gender behaviours - e.g. those with Turners associated with immaturity suggests theres an expected level of maturity for girls - doesnt consider individual differences = overemphasis on difference of those with these syndromes
- may be sampling bias - only those with most severe symptoms will be tested - estimated only 1/3 of those with K+T are diagnosed - questions extent to which these syndromes influence behaviour = exaggerates how much genes impact behaviour
