Biological Explanation of Gender

• What do biological explanations of gender development assume?

  Gender and sex are related
• What determines a person's gender according to biological explanations?

  The chromosome carried by the sperm
• What gene does the Y chromosome carry?

  Sex Determining Region Y (SRY)
• What do androgens do in fetal development?

  They lead to the development of male characteristics
• What is the sequence of development for an XY fetus?

  XY --> Androgens --> Development of testes
• What happens in an XX fetus during development?

  Ovaries develop and produce oestrogen
• What is the role of hormones in gender development?

  They influence most aspects of gender development
• What can happen to XY babies with hormone insensitivity?

  They may develop as females despite being genetically male
• What triggers the development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty?

  A burst of hormones
• How do males and females differ in hormone production?

  They produce the same hormones in different amounts
• Where is testosterone produced?

  Gonads (ovaries and testes)
• What are the physical effects of testosterone on the body?

  Controls male reproduction
• What behavioral impacts does testosterone have?

  Increases competitiveness and aggression
• What did Eisenegger (2010) find about testosterone's effect on behavior?

  Expectation influenced behavior changes
• What is oestrogen's role in the body?

  Controls female reproduction
• What are the behavioral impacts of oestrogen?

  Causes irritability and emotionality
• Where is oxytocin produced?

  Pituitary gland
• What are the physical effects of oxytocin?

  Stimulates lactation and contractions
• What behavioral impacts does oxytocin have?

  Promotes bonding and relationship creation
• What evidence supports the link between testosterone and aggression?

  • Dabbs' study on prison population
  • Higher testosterone linked to violent crimes
  • Correlation does not imply causation
• What evidence supports the link between hormones and gender differences?

  • Van Goozen's study on transgender individuals
  • Hormone injections affected aggression and skills
  • Low population validity due to sample
• What support exists from case studies regarding gender development?

  • Batista Boys case
  • David Reimer case
  • Illustrate hormonal influences on gender
• What contradictory evidence exists regarding testosterone's influence on behavior?

  • Tricker's study with testosterone injections
  • No significant difference in aggression
  • Suggests expectation may influence behavior
• What is a criticism of the biological explanation of gender?

  • Too reductionist, focusing on nature
  • Ignores nurture and other factors
  • Simplifies complex concept of gender