The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender Flashcards
1
Q
What is the role of chromosomes?
A
- chromosomes are made of DNA
- Genes are short sections of DNA which determine the characteristics of a living thing
- there are 46 chromsomes arranged in 23 pairs with the last pair being sex chromosomes which determine the individuals sex
- XX = female, XY = male
- All egg cells have an X chromsome whereas the sperm cell carrys an X or Y chromsome. If there is a Y chromosome, it carries a gene called the sex determining reigon (SRY) which causes the development of testes in an XY embryo and the production of androgens
2
Q
What is the role of hormones?
A
- Hormones cause the gender development of an individual
- Prenatally in the womb, hormones act upon brain development in the womb of reproductive organs
- At puberty, there is a burst of hormonal activity which triggers the development of secondary characteristics such as pubic hair
- important male characteristics are caused by androgens, most importantly testosterone
3
Q
What is the role of testosterone?
A
- testosterone is a male hormone though it is found in small quantities in women
- testosterone controls the development of male sex organs during foetal development
- Testesterone has also been linked to aggression which allows rivals to compete for fertile female mates
4
Q
What is the role of oestrogen?
A
- oestrogen is a female hormone that determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation
- oestrogen has also been seen to cause women t expierence heightened emotions and irritability during their menstrual cycle
- this is a diagnosable disorder called PMS or PMT
- in extreme cases, PMS has been used successfully in crime cases
5
Q
What is the role of oxytocin?
A
- women typically produce more oxytoxin than men particularly during childbirth
- oxytocin stimulates lactation so mothers can breastfeed.
- oxytocin also reduces cortisol and facillitates bonding, therefore it is called the love hormone
- oxytocin is released in childbirth and after so that the mother feels in love with their child.
- Oxytocin is also released in intimate activities such as sexual intercourse
6
Q
What is a strength of biological explanations
A
- one strength is that there is there is evidence that supports the role of sex hormones in gender development. The link between testosterone and sexual behaviour was studied by christina wang (2000).
- Male hypogonadism is a condition caused by a male testes being unable to produce normal levels of testosterone
- wang gave 227 hypogondal men testosterone therapy for 180 days. There was changes in body shape, sexual function and libido. This shows that testosterone has an important role and direct influence on male sexual arousal and development
Counterpoint : there is some evidence that testosterone does not have effects on male development. Daryl O’ conner increased testosterone levels in healthy young men and found no difference in sex drive and frequency of sexual intercourse
7
Q
What is the limitation of this?
A
- A limitation of biological accounts is that they ignore the role of social factors in gender development. Geert Hosteade claims that gender roles are due to social norms than biology. Countries that place competition and independence over community are more masculine and therefore more masculine traits are valued in society
- This challenges the role of chromosomes and hormones in gender development
8
Q
What is another limitation of this?
A
- It is reductionist. Accounts that reduce gender and sex to chromosomes have been accussed to ignoring and underplaying alternative explanations
- for example, the cognitive approach would draw attention to schemas which can cause development to the brain and therefore gender development
- the psychodynamic approach would aslo acknowledge maturation as a factor of child hood expierences
- this suggests that gender is more complex that its biological influences alone
