Gender Flashcards
Biological sex
biological sex characteristics associated with being
male or female
Gender identity
psychological gender perception
Gender expression
the way we outwardly express our gender identity
as masculine and/or feminine
Gender identity as a biological process
typical prenatal differentiation
− 23 pairs of human chromosomes: 22 autosome pairs and 1 sex
chromosome pair
Chromosomal sex
− XX: female
− XY: male
DSS gene on X chromosome
SRY gene on Y chromosome
gonadal sex
ovaries or testes
hormonal sex
ovaries: estrogens
testes: androgens
Internal structures
− Wolffian duct: males
Vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and ejaculatory ducts
− Müllerian duct: females
Fallopian tubes, uterus, and inner third of the vagina
External structures
− Genital tubercle: clitoris or penis
− Labioscrotal swelling: labia or scrotum
Sex differentiation of the brain
− Hypothalamus: small structure in central core of the brain
Controls pituitary gland
Regulates motivated behavior and emotions
− Cerebral hemispheres: left and right sides of cerebrum
− Corpus callosum: broad band of nerve fibers
Connects left and right cerebral hemispheres
Differences in sexual development
− Atypical prenatal differentiation
Intersex: a term describing people who possess biological
attributes of both male and female sexes
Sex chromosome variations
− Turner’s syndrome: XO chromosomes
− Klinefelter’s syndrome: XXY chromosomes
Variations affecting prenatal hormonal processes
− Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS)
− Fetally androgenized females
− DHT-deficient males
Treatment of intersex children
− Money’s approach: team chooses gender; physicians usually
provide surgical and/or hormonal treatments
− Follow-up of Money’s cases by Diamond: long-term problems with
surgical reassignment
Diamond treatment: counsel parents according to best guessed
identity, avoid genital-altering surgeries during early years, and
provide quality counseling and information to child and parent
Interactional model acknowledges both biology and experience in
gender development
Nature: biological determinants
− Nurture: social learning and the environment
Relative roles are still unclear
Further research and long-term longitudinal analyses will help
clarify
Transgender variations
Transgender (trans): gender identity differs from what is typical of
the sex assigned at birth
− Androgyny: blending of typical male and female behaviors in one
individual
Transitioning
steps taken by trans people to match appearance to gender identity
− Clothing to gender confirmation surgery
“top” surgery and “bottom” surgery
− Debate on best approaches to any medical intervention with
adolescents
− Outcomes of surgery for adults
Often improvement in psychological well-being and overall
adjustment to life
Sexual orientation of transgender people
− Many trans people identify as heterosexual
− Others identify as gay or prefer more flexible terms
Acceptance and civil rights
Rapid changes in understanding and acceptance
− Rights are advancing on the federal level
− Still significant bias and work to be done
Gender roles
Gender-based stereotypes (North American)
− Males: independent and aggressive
− Females: dependent and submissive
* Recent trend away from strict stereotypes
− Women less entrenched in rigid gender-role stereotypes
How do we learn gender roles?
− Ethnic variations
− Parents
− Peers
− Schools and books
− Media
− Religion
Gender-role expectations
Women are undersexed; men are oversexed
− Men are initiators; women are controllers
− Men are unemotional; women are nurturing and supportive
