Gender Lesson 4: The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender

The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender

THE BIOLOGICAL APPROACH

Discuss the assumptions of this approach with a partner.

One minute, then be ready to share with the class.

LO: I can outline the biological perspective of gender development

Evaluation: any supporting evidence?

Further evaluations

What does the Biologial Approach argue?

David (Bruce/Brenda/David) Reimer - struggled to adjust to life as a female, following his circumcision accident. (supported nature, not nurture!)

counter evaluation: twin brother

Reductionist: oversimplistic - ignores social and psychological factors within the enviroment

Dabbs and Morris (1990) - men with high T levels were significantly more likely to have been involved with childhood delinquency, adult crime, drug and alcohol misuse.

SEX

What about nurture? - childhood experiences, cultural norms, social learning?

Maccoby and Jacklin (1974) - differences are greater within the sexes than between them!

Van Goozen et al (1995) - Transgender patients undergoing hormone treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8532819/

Transgender women = reduced aggression

Transgender men = increased aggression

THE

The role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender

BIOLOGICAL

APPROACH

Chromosomes

Oestrogen

Hormones

made from DNA

Testosterone

23rd pair determines 'sex'

produced by both sexes - but in large quantities during labour

F = XX M=XY

promotes feelings of love and intimacy

Check your understanding....

determines female sexual characteristics and menstruation

the biological approach argues that behavioural, psychological and social differences between the sexes are a result of anatomical, chromosomal and hormonal differences within the body

1) Prenatally

50% sperm carry X, 50% carry Y

affect brain development and cause reproductive organs to develop

Oxytocin

controls development of male sex organs

Can cause heightened emotionality and irritability - PMT

NOMINATE

Y chromosome carries a gene - 'sex determining region Y'

linked to aggressive behaviour

How does our biological sex (chromosomes) determine our psychological gender?

stimulates lactation after childbirth

reduces cortisol (stress) and facilitates bonding

causes testes to develop in XY embryo

2) Puberty

Van del Poll 1988 - physical and sexual aggression in rats

quiz: http://www.illuminate.digital/aqapsych2/ p153

Secondary sexual characteristics

produce androgens = male sex hormones

Which gender stereotypes are fuelled by the biological effects of: TESTOSTERONE, OESTROGEN and OXYTOCIN?

Evaluations: contradictory evidence

GENDER

O'Connor et al (2004) - increased testosterone levels in healthy young men.

Double blind - why was this used?

Warning - images of bare genitalia

No change in anger or aggression levels found

We cannot generalise the findings from animals, criminals or small groups of 'unusual' people.

PMS - objection!

Rodin 1992 - PMS is a 'social construction'

Feminist view:

The biological view dismisses women's emotions as 'irrational' - a product of hormones.

Case studies:

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

David Reimer

Caster Semenya

Some extension articles for you...

Nature or Nurture - Curriculum Press Factsheet

Hormones - As above

The role of genes and hormones - Cardwell

Prep

Watch: BBC HORIZON - The boy with no penis

Complete the T/F questions and add your own ideas.

https://archive.org/details/DrMoneyAndTheBoyWithNoPenis/BBC+-+Horizon+-+2000+-+The+Boy+Who+Was+Turned+Into+a+Girl.mp4

To be discussed next lesson

Read the information and consider the 'apply it' questions

Recap... complete the gap fill on Androgyny. Would you be confident answering a 6 mark question on this subtopic?