Sex and Gender

Question 1

Outline one difference between sex and gender.

Answer 1

sex is whether a person is male or female whereas gender is whether they are masculine or feminine (or androgynous)

Question 2

Describe one limitation of using Diamond & Sigmundson’s (1997) case study as evidence for how
gender develops.

Answer 2

‘The study cannot be generalised (1) as only one boy was studied (1)’

Question 3

Explain one criticism of using the biological theory to explain gender development.

Answer 3

‘biology is fixed over generations (1) yet androgyny is on the increase (1) suggesting the influence of changing societies is more significant when it comes to gender (1)’

Question 4

Outline one way in which research into sex and gender can be applied to real-life

Answer 4

‘research can be used in schools (1) to ensure positive
discrimination where necessary (1) by giving girls the extra
opportunities to try out activities associated more with boys
such as engineering (1)’

Question 5

Give three criticisms of the biological theory of gender development

Answer 5

• cannot explain
  the rise of androgyny, -cannot explain cross cultural
  differences in gender roles,
  -does not
  easily explain how an individual can change their
  gender identity,

Question 6

Describe and evaluate the biological theory of gender development (10 marks)

Answer 6

Describe:
- says that our gender develops through the physiological development of the body
- starts with chromosomes (XX female and XY male)
- The chromosomes prompt the development of male and female gonads (testes and ovaries)
- The gonads release hormones that enable us to develop masculine and feminine characteristics (testosterone causes males to be aggressive and have good spatial skills, oestrogen causes females to be sensitive and have good communication skills)
- Human behaviour is instinctive in order to survive and reproduce, for example males are aggressive to compete for resources and mates.
Evaluate:
- The biological theory ignores the idea that gender roles can be learnt from a person’s parents or their environment. A female child growing up in an all-male environment (due to mother’s death) may develop masculine traits or skills. This is not explained by the biological theory.
- It also does not explain the huge differences in behaviour within a gender. For example not all females behave the same or have identical skills. If we are all biologically identical then our behaviour should be identical as well.
- Gender roles have changed over time and are different in cultures around the world, despite the fact that we are all biologically identical.

Question 7

Describe and evaluate one study into gender development

Answer 7

Describe:
- Diamond and Sigmundson conducted a case study on David, who was born a boy (Bruce) but suffered accidental castration during a routine circumcision operation. Psychologist Money believed gender roles could be taught and he advised Bruce’s parents to raise him as a girl (Brenda). Testes removed at 17months old.
- Throughout childhood Brenda grew well and played with toys. At puberty started to notice difference. Had to take hormone tablets and became unhappy with herself as a girl. Parents told her the truth and she decided to live as a boy from then on (David)
- Money reported the case as a success, was unaware that Brenda had gone back to being a male (David)
- Got married but killed himself following his brother’s apparent suicide
Evaluate
- Diamond and Sigmondson’s case study used a small sample of only one case which cannot be generalised outside of this case due to individual differences
- Case studies are based on naturally occurring events so it is hard to control any extraneous variables that may be affecting the results. This can lead to unreliable results.
- When conducting a case study, researchers can become very involved and lose sight of the bigger picture. They can start to see what they want to see, like Money who believed the case had been a success despite the fact Brenda was feeling uncomfortable as a girl when she reached puberty.

Question 8

Describe how the Oedipus complex is used to explain the gender development of boys

Answer 8

‘Boys begin to unconsciously (1) lust after their mothers (1) but
fear castration from the father (1). To resolve this conflict, they
end the stage by identifying with their fathers (1).’