The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender Flashcards
hormones involved in biological sex development
- oestrogen
- testosterone
- oxytocin
Oestrogen
primary female hormone
controls female sexual characteristics and menstrual cycles
linked to emotional sensitivity, caring behaviour, and mood swings
Oxytocin
involved in bonding, intimacy, and maternal behaviours
Testosterone
produced by the testes and influences the development of male sex organs in the womb. It is also linked to aggression, competitiveness, and spatial ability
Chromosomal atypical patterns
Klinefelters syndrome:
- males born with an extra X chromosome = XXY instead of XY
Turrners Syndrome:
- females born with a missing X chromosome = X instead of XX
Klinefelters syndrome - psychological characteristics
- poorly developed language and reading skills
- shy and socially introverted
- struggle to manage stress
- struggle with intellectual skills
Klinefelters syndrome - physical characteristics
- broader hips and longer legs
- larger breasts
- weaker bones
- smaller penis and testicles
- lower energy level
- delay in puberty
- less facial and body hair
Turners syndrome - psychological characteristics
- higher than normal reading ability
- poor spatial mathematical and visual memory skills
- social immaturity (find it hard to fit in)
Turners syndrome - physical characteristics
- webbed neck
- short 4th and 5th metacarpal bones
- widely spaced nipples
- lymphodema of hands
Intersex conditions
- Androgen insensitivity syndrome
- Congenital insensitivity hyperplasia
Androgen insensitivity syndrome
does not respond to testosterone during gestation
Congenital insensitivity hyperplasia
high levels of testosterone during gestation
Limitations
❌ Ignores social influences
→ Example: Fails to consider the role of environment and upbringing on gender development.
❌ Reductionist
→ Example: Oversimplifies gender to genes and hormones, ignoring psychological and cognitive aspects
Strength
real world applications
✅ Supporting research
→ Example: David Reimer case (Money) — when raised as a girl, David still identified as male, suggesting biology is key.
✅ Cross-cultural consistency
→ Example: Gender roles are similar in many cultures, supporting a biological basis
