the role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender- gender Flashcards
what is the role of chromosomes
made from dna
genes short sections of dna determine characteristics
46 chromosomes in human into 23 pairs with 23rd pair determining biological sex
normal egg cells produced by ovary have x chromosome
sperm carry x or y chromosome
babys sex determined by sperm fertilises egg
baby will be female if sperm x and boy if sperm y
y chromosome carried gene called sex determining region- causes testes to develop- produce anrogens male sex hormones
what is the role of hormones
prenatally in womb hormones act on brain development and cause development of reproductive organs
puberty- burst of hormonal activity triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics
males and females produce same hormones but different concentrations
primary important in male development are number of hormones called androgens most widely known- testosterone
what is testosterone
male hormone though present in small amounts in women
controls development of male sex organs during foetal development
if genetic male produces no testosterone during foetal development then no male sex organs appear
if genetic female produces high levels testosterone then male sex organs appear
high levels of testosterone linked to aggression because adaptive
aggression towards rivals allows males to compete to mate with fertile female
fact that women tend to childern means that men more lilely to take hunter role and success would be enhanced by aggressiveness
what is oestrogen
female hormone determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation
causes some women experience heightened emotionality and irritability duiring cycle- premenstrual tension or premenstrual syndrome
pms used as defence in cases of shoplifting and murder
some researchers dispute the existence of pms as viable medical category
what is oxytocin
women produce larger amounts than men as result of giving birth
stimulates lactation making it possible for mothers to breastfeed children
reduces stress hormone cortisol and facilitates bonding- been referred to as love hormone
released in massive amounts during labour and after childbirth and makes new mothers feel in love with baby
men produce less fuelled stereotype men less interested in intimacy and closeness within relationship
evidence suggests both sexes produce ocytocin in equal amounts during amorous activities such as kissing and sex
what is evidence for testosterone
evidence supports role of sex hormones in gender development
link between increased testosterone and sexual behaviour confirmed in study by wang- male hypogonadism condition caused by mans testes failing to produce normal levels of male sex hormone
wang gave these men therapy for 180days, changes in body shape muscle strength sexual function and libido and mood and sigf increase in muscle strength observed in sample
study shows testosterone exerts powerful and direct influence on male sexual arousal in adults
evidence on effect of testosterone less convincing
double blind placebo study o’connor increased testosterone levels in young men, no signf increases in interactional or non interaction components of sexual bhevaiour in pps
men involved in study experienced no change in aggression or anger levels during
suggests additional testosterone may have no effect on sexual or aggressive behaviour- does not challenge role of testosterone in early development
what is social factors ignored
ignore role of social factors in gender related behaviour
hofstede claim gender roles around world much more consequence of social norms than biology
researchers equate notions of masculinity and femininity with whether whole cultures are individualist or collectivist
countries place individual competition and independence above needs of comminity are more masculine on outlook- include advanced capitalist societies such as us and uk
traditional masculine traits will be more highly valued within societies
challenges biological explanations of gender behaviour and suggests social factors may be more important in shaping gender behaviour and attitudes
what is reductionist
reductionist
accounts reduce gender level of chromosomes and hormones accused of ignoring or underplaying alternative explanations
cog approach draw attention to influence of though processes such as schema
changes in thought processes may come about through maturation of developing brain not adequaately explained by biologocal model
psychodynamic approach acknowledge maturation as factor but point to impaortance of childhood experiences such as interaction within family
suggest gender more complex than buological influences alone
