The Role Of Chromosomes and Hormones Flashcards
How is the sex of a baby decided?
An egg has an X chromosome, and a sperm either an X or Y. The Y chromosome carried a gene called the sex-determing region Y or SRY for short. This causes testes to develop in an XY embryo.
What is the role of hormones in gender development?
Prenatally in the womb, hormones act upon brain development and development of reproductive organs. At puberty, a burst of hormonal activity triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic hair.
What is the role of testosterone in gender development?
It begins to be produced at 8 weeks of foetal development and controls the development of male sex organs. It has been linked to aggression.
What is the role of oestrogen in gender development?
A female hormone that determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation. Causes physical changes and heightened emotionality and irritability during the menstrual cycle. This is referred to as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.
What is the role of oxytocin in gender development?
Women produce oxytocin in larger amounts than men. It stimulates lactation and reduces cortisol and facilitates bonding. For this reason it has been referred to as the ‘love hormone’. It is release in massive quantities during childbirth making mothers feel in love with their baby. Evidence suggests that both sexes produce oxytocin in equal amounts during amorous activities.
What is the strength - supporting evidence?
David Reimer is evidence of the influence of chromosomes on gender identity. Following a botched circumcision David was left without a penis. Parents were instructed to raise him as if he was a girl, but David had never adjusted to life as a female and suffered from severe psychological and emotional problems. When she was eventually told the truth, she went back to living as a man.
What is the limitation - contradictory evidence?
Ray Tricker gave 43 males either a weekly testosterone injection or a placebo. No significant differences in aggression were found. This is a limitation because it shows that testosterone doesn’t have an impact on aggression - a typically male trait.
What is the limitation - objections to PMS?
Many commentators have questioned the effects of oestrogen levels on mood and argue that PMS stereotypes female experience and emotion. Feminists have pointed to the medicalisation of women’s lives and the dismissal of women’s emotions by explaining them in biological terms.
