Sex and Gender Flashcards
Sex - biological status
Sex is biologically determined by genetic make-up, namely sex chromosomes (XX - females and XY - males).
Chromosomes influence hormonal & anatomical differences that distinguish males and females (e.g. reproductive organs, body shape and hair growth).
Gender - psychosocial status
Gender - How a person acts, identifies themselves and what characteristics they take on. These can be masculine or feminine traits.
Gender Dysphoria
GD - The distress caused when sex and gender (the way they feel inside and the gender they identify themselves as being) don’t correspond.
1) Gender reassignment surgery allows ppl to bring their sexual identity in line with their gender identity.
2) It is important to note that being transgender does not necessarily mean a person has gender identity disorder.
Biological Exp of GID
Gender Identity Disorder
1) If a person has unusual hormone levels during their development in the womb, they could develop brain function that is typical of that of their non-biological sex.
E.g. A male could have high levels of oestrogen while developing.
Strength of Bio Exp of GID
RESEARCH SUPPORT
1) Androgens are male sex hormones; testosterone.
Hare et al (2009) studied male-to-female transgender and found they were more likely to have a particular gene that coded for an androgen receptor.
They compare MTF individuals to non-transgender males.
–> Support biological explanations of gender identity disorder.
SLT Exp of GID
1) If a male child imitates behaviours of a female role model, they may develop a female gender that does not match with their biological sex.
2) The behaviour has to be reinforced (for example positively through praise or rewards) for the behaviours to continue.
Sex-role Stereotypes —> social expectations
Sex-role stereotypes are shared by a culture or social group and consist of expectations regarding how males and females should behave.
These expectations are transmitted through a society and reinforced by members of it (e.g. parents, peers, etc.).
Study of Sex-Role Stereotypes
1) Smith and Lloyd shows mothers treat baby boys/girls differently according to stereotypes.
2) 32 mothers were recorded playing with a baby for 10 mins.
3) Babies’ clothes & names didn’t match their sex.
4) Mothers’ had toys that were either more masc, fem or androgynous.
5) When mothers thought it was a boy —> verbally encouraged more motor activity & gender appropriate toys.
—> Supports the sex-role stereotypes in society.
Sex-role stereotypes - Representation
Some expectations have some basis in reality.
E.g, might be the male in a heterosexual couple who is responsible for DIY whilst the female sends the birthday cards from both of them.
However, there is no biological reason for this to be the case.
Many sex-role stereotypes are incorrect assumptions and can lead to sexist and damaging attitudes.
E.g, the stereotype that women are too emotional to cope with high-powered jobs.
Sex-role Stereotypes in Media
A study of TV adverts (Furnham and Farragher 2000) found men more likely to be shown in autonomous roles in professional contexts, whereas women were seen occupying familial roles in domestic settings.
This along with other studies demonstrates both the existence of sex-role stereotypes and the role the media has in reinforcing them.
