A03

• What are the strengths of the role of chromosomes and hormones?

  1. Research support for role of testosterone
  2. Real-life application and research support for hormones
• What are the limitations of the role of chromosomes and hormones?

  1. Reductionist view
  2. Overemphasis on nature / biological determinism
• Strength = research support for role of testosterone

  • Reiner and Gearhart (2004) studied 16 genetic males born with almost no penis
  • Two were raised as males and remained males - remaining 14 raised as females
  • 8 of these females reassigned themselves as males by 16
  • Wang et al. (2000) - 227 hypogonadal men given testosterone therapy for 180 days
  • Testosterone replacement improved sexual function, libido and mood, and significant increases in muscle strength were observed within the sample
  • Demonstrates link between testosterone and sexual behaviour in mature males
• Strength = real-life application and research support for hormones

  • Research into role of hormones has led to beneficial practical applications
  • E.g. administering oxytocin has proved beneficial during childbirth, decreasing mortality rates in mothers and infants, instigating labour and maintaining labour and the secretion of milk for breastfeeding
  • Effects of testosterone on brain development - Quadagno et al. (1977) found females monkeys who were exposed to testosterone during prenatal development later engaged in more rough and tumble play and were more aggressive than other females
• Limitation = reductionist view

  • Reduces concept of gender to chromosomal and hormonal level
  • Cognitive approach = influence of changing thought processes, e.g. schemas
  • Psychodynamic approach would acknowledge maturation as a factor but point to the importance of childhood experiences
  • Hofstede et al. (2010) - gender roles in the world are a consequence of social norms
  • Countries that place individual competition and independence above needs of community are more masculine in their outlook = masculine traits more valued
  • Gender is more complex than biological influences alone
• Limitation = overemphasis on nature / bio reductionism

  • If gender identity down to nature would expect to find more differences in male and female behaviour
  • Maccoby and Jacklin (1974) found more differences within sexes
  • Imperato-McGinley et al. (1974) studied Batista family with 4 children born with external female genitalia and raised as girls (genetically XY but male genitalia hadn't appeared at birth due to inherited gene)
  • When they hit puberty their male genitalia appeared externally
  • 'Girls' accepted new male role without any difficulty
  • Suggests nurture played a role (acceptance)