biological explanation

• One strength of biological explanations for gender dysphoria, such as the brain-sex theory, is that there is empirical evidence to support the theory. Zhou et al. (1995) found that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTc), a brain area associated with gender identity, is smaller in male-to-female transgender individuals, resembling the typical size in cisgender females. This provides biological validity for the claim that neurological differences might underpin gender dysphoria.
• However, the study's sample size was small, limiting the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, many participants had undergone hormone treatment, which could have influenced brain structure, creating a potential confounding variable.
• A weakness of biological explanations is that not all evidence supports the brain-sex theory. Chung et al. (2002) found that differences in the BSTc only appear in adulthood, while many individuals with gender dysphoria report experiencing symptoms in early childhood.
• This suggests that structural brain differences might be a result of gender dysphoria rather than its cause, challenging the direction of causality in this explanation. These findings imply that biological explanations alone may not account for the complexity of gender dysphoria and should be integrated with social and psychological factors.
• A limitation across many explanations of gender dysphoria is their reductionist approach. Biological theories, for instance, focus on neuroanatomy and genetics while often ignoring sociocultural influences, such as gender norms and stigma. Conversely, psychological explanations may overemphasize childhood experiences, neglecting the role of biological predispositions. A holistic approach, incorporating biological, psychological, and social factors, would provide a more comprehensive understanding and improve treatment approaches.
• One potential biological explanation for gender dysphoria looks at potential genetics being the cause. Hare et al (2009) examined the DNA of 112 male to female transexuals and found they were more likely to have longer versions of the androgen receptor gene compared to a 'normal' sample of people.
• he effect of this genetic abnormality was the males had reduced action of the male sex hormone testosterone and this may have impacted gender development in the womb as testosterone is linked to the masculinisation of the brain in men.
• DNA of males with gender dysphoria and found they were more likely to have a longer version of the androgen receptor gene than male without gender dysphoria.Leads to reduced action of the male sex hormone testosterone, implying the gene to be involved in a failure to masculinise the brain during development in the womb.