Terminology Flashcards
testosterone
the male sex hormone required for sperm production and the development of male ‘re productive organs
oestrogen
the female sex hormone required for sexual development, puberty, the stimulation egg production and female reproductive parts.
Oedipus complex
the Freudian concept that during the phallic stage boys perceive their fathers as a rival for possession of their mothers love
castration anxiety
the Freudian concept that during the phallic stage boys fear castration by their father.
chromosomes
strands of DNA that carry genetic information
hormones
chemicals that are secreted into the bloodstream. A hormone is released from a gland and affects the target organs
introjection
the Freudian concept of adopting the attributes or qualities of a highly significant person into ones own persona
libido
any natural drive. In sex and gender topics this refers more specifically to the sex drive and is motivated by the pleasure principals.
masculinity
The behaviours considered to be a characteristic of being male. it is an example of sex typing
gender identity
the psychological status of being a male or a female. Includng an awareness of which gender you consider yourself to be.
androgyny
introduced by Sandra bem (1974) a set of behaviours that include high levels of male and female characteristics
femininity
the behaviours and uses that are considered to be a characteristic of being female. It is also an example of sex typing.
Electra Complex
An ambiguous concept that aims to adapt the Oedipus complex for female children. According to this theory penis envy leads girls to resent their mother and resolution only occurs when girls identify with their mother.
penis envy
a Freudian concept occurs when a girl realises she does not have a penis argued to be a defining moment in the development of gender and sexual identity
sex identity
the biological status of being a male or a female.
