Sex and gender

• What is sex?

  Biological differences between male and females - chromosomes (women XX men XY) hormones and anatomy.
• What is gender?

  Psychological and cultural differences between males and females including attitudes, behaviours & social roles- influenced by social norms + cultural expectations. Sex is innate-result of nature, gender is nurture- result of environment.
• What is gender dysmorphia?

  Most people identify with there sex as they feel that way. Some people have gender dysmorphia- thoer biological sex doesn’t reflect the way they feel- they may choose to get gender reassignment.
• Can a person change their gender?

  McGinley et al (1974)- Batista family had 4 girls at birth who were raised as such till puberty as their vaginas closed up and they grew testicles due to a genetic disorder which concealed their true gender. The boys abandoned their female gender identity with few problems of adjustment- suggests that gender identity is flexible
• What are sex role stereotypes?


  A set of beliefs and preconceived ideas about what is expected or appropriate for males & females including attitudes a society or social group. reinforced by parents, media, peers & other institutions- social learning theory can be used to explain this.