Biological influence on gender

Question 1

What are chromosomes?

Answer 1

Chromosomes are made from DNA. Genes are small sections of DNA.
They are found in the nucleus of living cells.

Question 2

How many chromosomes do humans have?

Answer 2

Humans have 46 chromosomes organised in 23 paris.

Question 3

How do chromosomes determine sex?

Answer 3

The 23rd pair are the sex-determining chromosomes. For females this is XX and for males it is XY.

Question 4

Why does sex depend on the sperm?

Answer 4

All egg cells in the ovaries have an X chromosome. Sperm cells have either X or Y. So the sex of a baby is determined by which sperm fertilises the egg.
The Y chromosome carries a gene called the SRY which causes testes to develop in the embryo. The embryo then produces androgens.

Question 5

What are hormones?

Answer 5

Chromosomes initially determine a person’s sex but gender development comes from the influence of hormones.
Hormones= a biochemical substance that circulates in the blood, affecting target organs.

Question 6

How do hormones influence sex/gender?

Answer 6

Hormones act upon an embryo’s brain development and development of the reproductive organs. At puberty, a burst of hormonal activity triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics.
Males and females produce many of the same hormones but in different concentrations.

Question 7

What is testosterone?

Answer 7

A male hormone, although present in small quantities in women. Produced in the testes.

Question 8

What does testosterone do?

Answer 8

It controls the development of male sex organs in foetal development.

Question 9

What are high levels of testosterone linked to?

Answer 9

High levels of testosterone are linked to aggression, because according to the evolutionary approach, it is adaptive. Aggression towards male rivals allows them to compete for fertile females, as well as be more successful in the hunting role.

Question 10

What is oestrogen?

Answer 10

A female hormone that determines development of female sexual characteristics and menstruation.

Question 11

What does oestrogen do (PMS)?

Answer 11

Alongside physical changes, it can cause some women to be emotionally heightened and irritable during the menstrual cycle. This is called premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The diagnosable disorder has since been used as a successful defence against shoplifting and even murder.

Question 12

What is oxytocin?

Answer 12

Produced in larger amounts in women compared to men, particularly after giving birth.

Question 13

What does oxytocin do?

Answer 13

Stimulates lactation so mothers can breastfeed. It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol and facilitates bonding.

Question 14

What stereotypes does oxytocin fuel?

Answer 14

The fact men produce less has in the past fuelled the stereotype that men are less interested in intimacy and closeness in relationships.
However, evidence suggests both sexes produce roughly equal amounts of oxytocin in amorous activities.

Question 15

Strengths of hormones and chromosomes: testosterone?

Answer 15

The link between increased testosterone and sexual behaviour was confirmed by Wang et al 2000. He studied people with male hypogonadism, who fail to produce normal levels of testosterone. He gave 227 testosterone therapy for 180 days. Sexual function, libido and mood improved and muscle mass significantly increased. Shows testosterone has an influence in male development.

Question 16

Weaknesses of hormones and chromosomes: testosterone evidence?

Answer 16

O-Connor et al 2004 increased the testosterone levels of healthy young men. There were no significant increases in interactional and non-interactional components of sexual behaviour. There was also no change in aggression or anger levels. This suggests testosterone may have no effect on sexual/aggressive behaviours.

Question 17

Weakness of hormones and chromosomes: social factors?

Answer 17

ignores social factors of gender related behaviour. Hofsted et al 2010 claimed gender roles around the world are more of a consequence of social norms than biology. Specifically masculine and feminine notions depend on whether the country is individualistic or collectivist. Individualistic societies value more masculine traits like independence and competition.

Question 18

Weaknesses of hormones and chromosomes: recutionism?

Answer 18

Reducing gender to level of hormones and chromosomes underplays alternative explanations. Gender is more complex than its biological influences even if these influences do have some impact on behaviour.

Question 19

What is an atypical sex chromosome pattern?

Answer 19

Any sex chromosome pattern that deviates from the usual XX and XY formation.

Question 20

What is Kleinfelter’s syndrome?

Answer 20

Affects 1 in every 600 males.
Biological males that have an additional X chromosome- XXY.

Question 21

Kleinfelter’s diagnosis?

Answer 21

It is thought that two-thirds of people have Kleinfelters but are not aware of it. Diagnosis often comes after examination for an unrelated condition, although 10% are diagnosed prenatally.

Question 22

What are the physical characteristics of Kleinfelter’s?

Answer 22

Reduced body hair, some breast development, softening of body contours, long limbs, underdeveloped testes, problems with clumsiness/coordination. Are also susceptible to typically female health problems such as breast cancer.

Question 23

What are the psychological characteristics of Kleinfelters?

Answer 23

poor language skills and reading ability, passive, shy, lack of interest in sexual activity, may not respond well to stress.

Question 24

What is Turner’s syndrome?

Answer 24

Affects 1 in 5000 biological females.
An absence of one of the two X chromosomes- XO.
Have 45 chromosomes instead of 46.W

Question 25

What are physical characteristics of Turner’s syndrome?

Answer 25

Do not have a menstrual cycle, ovaries do not develop, infertility, poor breast development, broad chest and webbed skin on the neck. Hips are not much bigger than the waist. Appear physically immature.

Question 26

What are psychological characteristics of Turner’s syndrome?

Answer 26

Above average reading ability, but memory, maths and spatial performance is lower than average. Socially immature and difficult to fit in.

Question 27

Strengths of atypical patterns: nature-nurture debate?

Answer 27

Can compare those with typical chromosome patterns to those who don’t, to see psychological and behavioural differences. It can be logically inferred that these differences have biological basis and are a result of changes in chromosome pattern. Supports nature.

Question 28

Strengths of atypical patterns: application?

Answer 28

more research into atypical patterns leads to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, which has proven to have benefits. In an Australian study 87 individuals with Kleinfelter had been identified from a very young age and showed significant benefit of managing symptoms.

Question 29

Weaknesses of atypical patterns: nurture?

Answer 29

differences in behaviour may be caused by the environment and social influences. Social immaturity may be a result of females with Turner’ syndrome being treated immaturely because of their appearance. So it may be wrong to assume differences are due to nature.

Question 30

Weaknesses of atypical patterns: sampling?

Answer 30

Only people with severe/noticeable symptoms have been diagnosed and therefore not everyone is in the database. This means the sample is skewed and the picture of symptoms may be distorted. Boada et al 2009 argued that studies have produced a more accurate representation of Kleinfelter’s, which shows not everyone experiences cognitive or psychological problems.