GENDER AND SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT Flashcards
What is biological sex?
either the male or female division of a species, especially as differentiated with reference to reproductive functions
What is gender?
set of characteristics distinguishing between male and female,
What is gender typing?
the process by which children acquire a gender identity as well as the motives, values, and behavior considered appropriate in their society for members of their biological sex
what is gender identity?
the way in which an individual identifies themselves with a gender category
what is gender role?
all those things that a person says or does to disclose himself/herself as having the status of boy, man, girl, woman
societal standards about how males or females should behave
what is gender expression?
Refers to a child’s clothing, hair style, behavior (play characters), and other observable indicators of gender preferences
what is sexual orientation?
One’s pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attractions
What are the 8 guiding principles?
- Gender and sexuality exist in continuums with
infinite possibilities, not in discrete, mutually
exclusive categories - The gender and sexuality continuums are
separate, yet interrelated realms - The gender continuum breaks down into
separate, but not mutually exclusive masculine
and feminine continuums - sexuality is composed of 3 distinct realms:
orientation & attraction, behavior, and identity - Gender may develop based upon biologic sex,
but this is not always the case - Gender can be broken down into gender
identity, roles, and presentation as well as other
realms of gender expression - There are biological, psychological, social and
cultural influences at play in gender and sexual
developmental trajectories - Each individual is unique and composed of
multiple identities that exist within and interact
Biological Influences on gender development
genetic & hormonal factors
surges of sex hormones may produce sexual attraction and fantasies
Biological Influences on gender development
Embryologic development
- All embryos start out anatomically female, but gonad is masculinized or feminized by week 8 of gestation
-Differences based on genetic gender begin within 4-5 days after conception
- Structures that can develop into female and male parts are present and persist or desist based on exposure to particular gene products
primary sex characteristics
directly related to reproduction
secondary sex characteristics
height, voice-change, etc
How do humans develop sexually?
Human beings are sexual beings throughout their entire lives
the stages of sexual development involve both biological and behavioral components
how sexual development present in childhood (birth to 7 years?)
- capacity for a sexual response is present from birth
- children engage in variety of sexual play experiences
- play becomes increasingly covert as children become aware of culture norms
when does a child form gender identity?
age 3
how is sexual development between ages 3-7?
- form concept of marriage or long-term relationships
- “play house”
- learn about genital differences between males & females
- show interest in genitals of others out of natural curiosity
how is sexual development during preadolescence? (8-12)
- homosocial organization
- sexual exploration & learning likely involves same gender peers
- first experience of sexual attraction & fantasies
how is sexual development during preadolescence? (13-19)
- pubertal changes lead to a surge of sexual interest
- surges of sex hormones may produce sexual attraction & fantasies
- Biological Changes x Social Factors
-inhibit vs. facilitate Sexual Expression
how is sexual development during preadolescence? (13-19) - continued
- same sex experiences occur
- teen pregnancy trends
-age of marriage rising
what are three factors of sexual satisfaction?
- accepting one’s own sexuality
- listenting to one’s partner & being aware of a partner’s likes & dislikes
- talking openly & honestly
Sexual development as age progresses
menopause & andropause
social influences that occur
Societal attitudes towards intercourse and masturbation in older people, nursing home & care facilities
