Gender

Question 1

What is sex?

Answer 1

Sex is biological. Male is XY and the female is XX.

Question 2

What is gender?

Answer 2

A result of nurture, influenced by social norms and culture.

Question 3

What is gender dysphoria?

Answer 3

When someones biologically provided sex does not reflect the way they feel inside.

Question 4

What are sex-role stereotypes?

Answer 4

A set of shared expectations that people within a society or culture hold about what is acceptable and usual behaviour for men and women.

Question 5

What is androgyny?

Answer 5

Displaying a mix of feminine and masculine traits in one’s personality.

Question 6

How does androgyny relate to psychological well-being? Who suggested the theory?

Answer 6

The more androgynous, the more people are able to adapt to a range of situations. (Bem)

Question 7

How do we measure androgyny?

Answer 7

• Using them Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI)
• It includes 20 traits for each category (masculine, feminine and neutral)
• Respondents rate themselves on a 7 point rating scale.

Question 8

What are the four scores/classifications in the BSRI?

Answer 8

Scores: Classifications:
High masc, low fem Masculine
High fem, low masc Feminine
High fem, high masc Androgynous
Low fem, low masc Undifferentiated

Question 9

What are the evaluation points for androgyny? (4)

Answer 9

+ Quantitative approach
+ Valid and reliable (CA: made a while ago)
- Self-awareness
- Androgyny and wellbeing

Question 10

What is the SRY?

Answer 10

Sex-determining region Y. It causes testes to develop in an XY chromosome, which produces androgens.

Question 11

Outline testosterone.

Answer 11

A male hormone that is present in small quantities in women. It controls the development of male sex organs. It leads to aggression (evolutionary explanations) which was useful for hunters.

Question 12

Outline oestrogen.

Answer 12

A female hormone that outlines female sexual characteristics and menstruation. Can cause PMT/PMS which has - in rare situations been used to excuse shoplifting/murder.

Question 13

Outline Oxytocin.

Answer 13

Stimulates lactation, facilitates bonding and reduces cortisol. Produced during birth but also during amorous activities with equal amounts from both sexes.

Question 14

What are the four evaluation points for the role of chromosomes and hormones?

Answer 14

• Evidence for testosterone (Wang) CA: contradictory research (O’Connor et al)
• Social factors ignored
• Reductionism
• Pathologizing gender