gender development Flashcards
sex
in psychology, the biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex.
gender
in psychology, the behavioral characteristics that people associate with boy, girl, man, and woman. (See also gender identity.)
intersex
possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth.
aggression
any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally.
relational aggression
an act of aggression (physical or verbal) intended to harm a person’s relationship or social standing.
x chromosome
the sex chromosome found in females and males. Females typically have two X chromosomes; males typically have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.
y chromosome
the sex chromosome typically found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.
testosterone
the most important male sex hormone. Males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs during the fetal period, and the development of male sex characteristics during puberty.
estrogens
sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than by males.
puberty
the period of sexual maturation, when a person usually becomes capable of reproducing.
primary sex characteristics
the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible.
secondary sex characteristics
nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair.
spermarche
the first ejaculation.
menarche
the first menstrual period
role
a set of expectations (norms) about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave.
