biological influences on gender development

• What is Klinefelter’s Syndrome


  a condition in males (1/1000 births) with an extra X chromosome (XXY), leading to features like taller stature, less facial hair, and sometimes breast tissue.
• Describe Turner’s Syndrome


  Turner’s Syndrome affects females (1/2000 births) who have a single X chromosome (X0), leading to symptoms like short stature, undeveloped ovaries, and other physical traits (e.g., webbed neck).
• What role does testosterone play in behavior?


  Testosterone influences brain development and behaviors often associated with males, such as aggression. High testosterone exposure in female fetuses can lead to more masculine behaviors.
• What is the role of oestrogen in females?


  • Oestrogen governs secondary sexual characteristics (e.g., breast development) and is linked to behaviors such as maternal instincts.
• How does oxytocin function in stress responses?


  Oxytocin promotes bonding and reduces the fight-or-flight response in women, encouraging care and social support ("tend and befriend") rather than aggression.
• Chromosomal sex determination (XX for females, XY for males) is fundamental, but atypical chromosome patterns reveal that biological sex alone doesn’t entirely determine gender identity. Studies of individuals with Klinefelter’s Syndrome (XXY) and Turner’s Syndrome (X0) indicate that chromosomal variations can lead to differences in physical development and, sometimes, in gender identity.
• explaining gender solely through atypical chromosome patterns can be seen as reductionist and overly simplistic. This view neglects the complex interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors. For example, while atypical chromosomal patterns contribute to understanding gender development, they do not fully account for the social and environmental factors that shape gender identity and roles.
• A purely biological approach risks ignoring the influence of upbringing, culture, and personal experiences, which can moderate or amplify the impact of these genetic factors. The case of CAH (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia), where girls exposed to high levels of prenatal testosterone may develop masculine traits but can still identify strongly with their assigned gender, underscores this complexity and challenges the deterministic view.
• Despite these limitations, research into atypical chromosome patterns has had significant practical applications. Medical and psychological interventions informed by this research have led to treatments that improve the quality of life for individuals affected by such syndromes. For example, hormone replacement therapy can address physical and emotional challenges associated with Klinefelter’s Syndrome, while tailored growth hormone treatments can benefit individuals with Turner’s Syndrome.
• These treatments help mitigate some physical and psychological impacts, allowing for a more integrated development of gender identity and overall well-being. This practical benefit underscores the importance of understanding biological influences while also appreciating the need for a holistic approach that includes psychological support and social considerations to foster well-rounded treatment and care.
• David Reimer ultimately committed suicide due to the trauma he experienced from being raised as the wrong sex. This highlights that biological factors have a key role in gender development and mustn't be ignored.
• The comparison of people with typical and atypical chromosome patterns has also helped researchers see what aspects of biological development and behaviour are under the influence of genetics and chromosomes and separate this from the influence of nurture through identifying common traits and behaviours.
• The reliance on biology as an explanation for gender differences may act as a type of ‘scientific justification’ for discriminatory practices based on gender, especially concerning PMS. For example, Brescoll and Uhlman argue that PMS is simply a social construct, which medicalises female anger and therefore allows others, specifically men, to dismiss these feelings as simply ‘being hormonal’. This may lead to women being denied well-paid, highly stressful jobs in the view that they’ll be unable to handle it!
• The emphasis on biology and genetics as an explanation for the psychological and behavioural differences between sufferers of Klinefelter’s and Turner’s Syndrome compared with the neurotypical population, is another example of jumping to make causal conclusions, as well as being guilty of biological determinism. Social influences on the sufferers, and particularly the ways in which they’re treated by others, can determine the development of the symptoms. For example, the idea that those with Turner’s Syndrome facing problems with social communication may be more due to feelings of insecurity over their physical appearance, as opposed to the biological basis of the Syndrome.