Gender 2 | The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender Flashcards
AO1 What is the role of chromosomes in sex and gender
Sex is determined by chromosomes XX in females and XY in males The Y chromosome contains the SRY gene which triggers the development of testes These produce testosterone leading to male development
AO1 What is the role of testosterone in sex and gender
Testosterone is a hormone associated with male development It promotes the development of male reproductive organs and influences behaviours such as aggression and competitiveness
AO1 What is the role of oestrogen in sex and gender
Oestrogen is a hormone associated with female development It regulates the menstrual cycle and promotes the development of female secondary sexual characteristics It is also linked to emotional and social behaviour
AO1 What is the role of oxytocin in sex and gender
Oxytocin is a hormone involved in bonding and social behaviour It plays a key role in childbirth breastfeeding and trust It is often linked to maternal behaviours
AO1 What is Klinefelter’s syndrome
Klinefelter’s syndrome is a genetic condition where males have an extra X chromosome XXY It leads to physical characteristics such as reduced muscle mass and breast development as well as cognitive and emotional differences such as poor language skills and shyness
AO1 What is Turner’s syndrome
Turner’s syndrome is a genetic condition where females have only one X chromosome XO It results in short stature underdeveloped ovaries leading to infertility and higher verbal ability but weaker spatial and mathematical skills
AO3 What is the supporting evidence for testosterone’s role in aggression
Van Goozen et al found that transgender individuals receiving testosterone showed increased aggression while those receiving oestrogen showed decreased aggression supporting the role of testosterone in gender-related behaviour
AO3 What evidence suggests the role of hormones in gender may be overstated
Tricker et al conducted a double-blind study where men were given testosterone or a placebo and found no significant differences in aggression challenging the idea that hormones alone determine gender-related behaviour
AO3 How might the role of oxytocin be biased
Taylor et al found that oxytocin contributes to the tend and befriend response in females reinforcing gender stereotypes and overlooking social and environmental influences on behaviour
AO3 How do atypical sex chromosome patterns support the biological approach to gender
Klinefelter’s and Turner’s syndromes show how genetic and hormonal differences affect physical and cognitive development supporting the role of biology in gender
AO3 What are the practical applications of research on atypical chromosome patterns
Understanding Klinefelter’s and Turner’s syndromes has led to early medical interventions such as testosterone or growth hormone therapy improving quality of life
AO3 Why might research on atypical chromosome patterns lack generalisability
Klinefelter’s and Turner’s syndromes are rare meaning findings may not apply to the general population limiting how much they can explain typical gender development
