The Role Of Chromosomes And Hormones Flashcards
What is the role of chromosomes in sex and gender
-made from dna, found in nucleus
-carry info in form of genes
-genes are sections of dna that determines characteristics
-46 chromosomes , 23 pair
-last one determines biological sex
-normal egg cells have X chromo, sperm carry X or Y . Baby’s sex determined by sperm that fertilises egg cell
-will be female if fertilising sperm carries X and male if carrying Y
-Y chromosome carries gene called sex-determninubg region Y SRY which causes testes to develop in XY embryo
-this produce androgens , male sex hormones
What is meant by a hormone
-biochemical substance that circulates in blood but only affects target organs
-produced in large quantities, disappear quickly
-powerful effects
What is the role of hormones in sex and gender
-chromosomes initially determine someone’s sex but most gender development comes about thru influence of hormones
-prenatally, hormones act upon Brain development , causing development of reproductive organs
-at puberty, burst of hormonal activity triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics like pubic hair
-male/female produce many same hormones but in dif concs
-main in male is testosterone
Describe testosterone
-produced small quantities in women but is a male hormone
-from androgen group
-controls development of male sex chromosomes initially determine someone’s foetal development
-if genetic male produces no testosterone , then no male sex organs appear
-if genetic female has high testosterone levels, then male sex organs may appear
-according to evolution , high levels of testosterone linked to aggression and allows males to compete for eg for mating with fertile female
Describe oestrogen
-primary female hormone determining female sexual characteristics and menstruation
-alongside physical changes ,oestrogen causes some women to experience heightened emotionality / irritability during menstrual cycle
-referred to as permenstrual tension PM
-primary female hormone determining female sexual characteristics and menstruation
-alongside physical changes ,oestrogen causes some women to experience heightened emotionality / irritability during menstrual cycle
-referred to as permenstrual tension PMT or premenstral syndrome PMS when these effects become diagonosable disorder
Describe oxytocin
-women typically produce oxytocin in larger amounts than men , usually as result of giving birth
-this hormone stimulates lactation , so possible to breastfeed children
- reduces stress hormone cortisol ,facilitates bonding and been to referred to as ‘love hormone’
-release in huge quantities during labour and why mothers feel in love with babies after birth
-fact that men produce less of hormone fuels popular stereotype that men less interested in intimacy/closeness within relationships
-but evidence suggests both sexes produce oxytocin in equal amount during kissing or sexual inter course
Whats a strength in that evidence supports role of sex hormones (testosterone) in gender development even in mature males
Link betw incr testosterone + sexual behaviour was confirmed in study by Wang et al.
Male hypogonadism is condition caused by man’s testers failing to produce normal levels of testosterone
Wang gave 227 hypogonadal men testosterone therapy for 180 days
Changes in body shape, muscle strength , sexual function, libido and mood were monitored across period
Testosterone replacement improved all and significant incr in muscle strength seen
Study shows testosterone exerts powerful influence on male sexual Arousal , physical development in adulthood
Whats the counterpoint to strength of evidence for testosterone that other evidence shows effect is less convincing
Double blind placebo , Daryl o Connor et al increased testosterone levels in healthy young men
No significant increases in interactional (sex frequency)
Or non interactional (sex drive) components of sexual behaviour in ps
Also men in study experienced no change in their aggression or anger levels
Suggests that additional testosterone may have no effect on sexual/aggresive behaviour , but doesn’t challenge role of testosterone in early development
Whats a limitation of biological accounts in that they ignore role of social factors in gender related behaviour
Hofstede et al claim that gender roles around world are much more a consequence of social norms than biology
Instead these researchers equate notions of masculinity /feminity with whether whole cultures are individualist or collectivist
Countries that place individual comp and independence on above communal needs are according to hofstede more masculine in outlook
(Advanced capitalist countries, US and UK)
Also, traditional masc traits be more highly valued within these societies
Challenges bio explanations of gender behaviour , + suggests social factors may be more important in shaping gender behaviour
Whats another limitation of biological explanation and that they’re reductionist
Accounts that reduce gender to chromosome level/hormones been accused of ignoring/underplaying alt explanations
Cog approach would draw attention to influence of thought processes like schema
Thought processes aren’t explained by biological model even though changes may come about thru maturation of developing brain
Also psychodynamic approach recognises maturation as a factor but to importance of childhood
Suggests gender is more complex than biological influences alone
