Development of Gender

• Hormonal differences between males and females may also influence gender differences in behaviour. Testosterone is associated with males acting more aggressive. In women, higher levels of oestrogen might be involved in creating extra connections between neurons in the two halves of the brain, which may explain why women are seen as better multitaskers than men.
• Women produce more oxytocin than men. This hormone is associated with women being more nurturing than males. May also influence differences in response to stress: whilst men respond with 'fight or flight' women are more likely to 'tend and befriend'.
• There is evidence to suggest these biological differences cause gender identity. The study of David Reimer found that he was born a biological male, lost his penis in an accident, raised as a female and eventually identified as a man. Suggests biology overulled nurture.
• Limitation of the influence of chromosomes and hormones on gender development:

  • Evidence supporting the influence of chromosomes and hormones on gender development is a case study involving a unique individual. Therefore lacks population validity
  • Many psychologists would argue that to suggest a persons gender identity is caused by chromosomes and hormones alone is oversimplistic. (Reductionist)|