Biological explanations of gender development

Question 1

From the biological expplanation, are gender and sex the same?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

Which pair of chromosomes are responsible for biological sex?

Answer 2

The 23rd

Question 3

What are androgens?

Answer 3

Male sex hormones

Question 4

What happens during puberty with the hormones?

Answer 4

A burst of hormonal activity triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Question 5

What does the Y chromosome carry that causes testes to develop?

Answer 5

SRY gene

Question 6

What is testosterone?

Answer 6

• Main male hormone
• Linked to aggression
• Controls development of male sex organs

Question 7

What is oestrogen?

Answer 7

• Main female hormone
• Determines characteristics and menstrual cycle
• Can cause some women to experience heightened emtotionality/irritability during their cycle

Question 8

What is oxytocin?

Answer 8

• The ‘love’ hormone
• Stimulates lactation and allows mothers to bond with theiir baby after birth
• Reduces the stress hormone, cortisol
• Men produce less than women

Question 9

What is the definition of hormone?

Answer 9

• Biochemical substance that circulates in the blood but only affects target organs.

Question 10

Strength - Evidence supports role of sex hormones in gender development

Answer 10

• Wang et al: gave 277 hypogonadal men testosterone therapy for 180 days (they produce low levels of T). Changes in body shape, libido, sexual function.
• It also signficantly improved muscle strength within the sample.
• Shows that T exerts a powerfu influence on male sexual arousal, as well as physical development.

Question 11

Limitation - Ignore the influence of social factors

Answer 11

• Hofstede: Gender roles are more of a consequence of social norms than biology.
• For example, countries such as US/UL value more masculine traits due to individual competition.
• This challenges bio. explanations as it suggests social roles may be more important in shaping gender behaviour.

Question 12

Strength - Case study of David Reimer

Answer 12

• Botched circumscision: left with no genitals and was raised as a girl to prevent confusion as it was believed environmental influence was more important.
• However, he never adjusted to living as a girl and experienced severe emotional distress due to his male hormone levels.
• Suggests biological processes are more important in the process of gender development.