Gender Flashcards
Define the term ‘sex’
The biological differences between male and females. This includes chromosomes, hormones and human anatomy.
Define the term ‘gender’
Gender is the psychological and cultural differences between male and females. This includes attitudes, behaviours and social roles.
Define the term ‘sex-role stereotype’
Sex role stereotypes are a set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about what is expected and appropriate for males and females. These can change depending on the society.
What is Gender Identity Disorder/ Gender Dysphoria?
GID is when a persons biological sex does not match the gender they identify themselves with. For example the person may biologically be male but feel feminine.
Define the term ‘androgyny’
Androgyny is the balance of masculine and feminine traits in a person.
What is the Bem Sex Role Inventory? How is it used?
The BSRI is used to measure androgyny. It uses a rating scale of 60 traits - 20 masculine, 20 feminine and 20 neutral. Respondents are asked to rate themselves on a scale of 1 (never true) to 7 (always true).
Name a criticism of the BSRI.
One criticism of the BSRI is that it was developed over 40 years ago, using a panel of judges who were from the USA, with western values. Since the time of the BSRIs creation values and ideas have changed significantly. This reduces the temporal validity of the scale.
Name a strength of the BSRI.
A strength of the scale is that it appears to be valid and reliable. During the development of the BSRI piloted using over 1000 students, with the results corresponding with the participants self description of their gender identity. As well as this the study was repeated using a smaller sample of the students a month later and gave similar results.
What is a chromosome?
A chromosome is found in the nucleus of all living cells. They are made up of the persons DNA, with 23 pairs in total. It is the 23rd chromosome that determines the biological sex of the person. XX for women and XY for males.
What is a hormone?
A hormone is a chemical substance which circulates in the blood stream and controls/regulates the activity of cells and organs.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a male hormone, which is mainly produced in the male testes but can be found in female ovaries in smaller amounts.
What is oestrogen?
Oestrogen is the female hormone, which plays a important role in the menstrual cycle and reproductive system.
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone that causes the contractions during a woman’s labour. As well as this it reduces the stress hormone cortisol.
What is Klinefelters Syndrome?
Klinefelters syndrome is an atypical chromosome pattern condition.
How many people does Klinefelters syndrome effect?
Klinefelters syndromes effects between 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 males
What gender is effected by Klinefelters syndrome?
Male
What is the chromosome structure of a male with Klinefelters syndrome?
XXY - they have a extra X chromosome
How many people are thought to have the condition but undiagnosed?
2/3 of males
Name some physical characteristics of Klinefelters syndrome.
Rounded body contours, long gangly limbs, underdeveloped genitals, problems with coordination and clumsiness
Name some psychological characteristics of Klinefelters syndrome.
Poorly developed language, poor reading ability, shyness, lack of sexual drive and many don’t respond well to stressful situations.
What is Turners syndrome?
Turner’s Syndrome is a chromosome disorder which effects women.
How many women does Turners syndrome effect?
Approximately 1 in 5000
What is the chromosome structure of a person with Turners syndrome?
XO - they only have one X chromosome
Name some physical characteristics of Turners syndrome.
No menstrual cycle, ovaries fail to develop, do not develop breasts, broad chest, webbed neck
