The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender

Question 1

what are chromosomes and what do they do

Answer 1

• made from DNA
• determine the characteristics of living things.
• have 46, 23 pairs.
  23rd pair determines biological sex
• Y chromosome carries a gene called ‘sex determining region Y’ or SRY for short.

Question 2

what are hormones and what is their role

Answer 2

• act upon brain development and cause development of reproductive organs prenatally in womb.
• at puberty, a burst of hormonal activity triggers development of secondary sexual characteristics like pubic hair

Question 3

explain testosterone

Answer 3

• is the male hormone, although present in small quantities in women
• causes development of reproductive organs prenatally in the womb
• high levels are linked to aggression

Question 4

explain the role of oestrogen

Answer 4

• determines female sexual characteristics and menstration
• heightened emotions and irritability during menstraul cycle referred to as PMS.

Question 5

explain oxytocin

Answer 5

• women produce this in much larger amounts than men
• stimulates lactation for women making them able to breastfeed their kids.
• reduces stress hormone cortisol and facilitates bonding which is why its known as the ‘love hormone’
• fuelled steryotype that men are less interested in intimacy and closeness but evidence suggests that during intimacy both sexes produce the same amounts.

Question 6

what is an evaluative strength

Answer 6

• has evidence to support the role of hormones in gender development: confirmed in a study by Wang et al. (2000). Have 277 hypogondal men testosterone therapy for 180 days. Changes in muscle strength, libido, body shape and sexual function were all reported. Shows the powerful influence of testosterone.

Question 7

what are the limitations (3)

Answer 7

• O’connor et al. 2004 did a double blind placebo study and increased the level of testosterone in healthy young men. Found there was no significant increase in interactional or non-interactional components in sexual behaviour. Mo change in aggression/anger levels. Suggests additional testosterone does not have that much of an effect.
• biological accounts ignore the role of social factors in gender related behaviour. Hofstede et al. 2010 claims that gender roles are a consequence of social norms rather than biology. Individualistic countries have a more masculine outlook and collectivist countries have a more feminine outlook
• is reductionist: reduces gender to the role of chromosomes and hormones so can be accused of ignoring or underplaying alternative explanations. Cognitive approach draws attention to role of schema.