Sex and Gender

• What is the difference between sex and gender?


  Sex is biological; gender is psychosocial.
• What does gender refer to?

  A person's psychosocial status as masculine or feminine.
• How is gender influenced?

  By social norms and cultural expectations.
• What does Raznahan's study utilize for brain data?

  The Human Connectome Project's brain scans.
• What did Raznahan's study compare in men and women?

  The amount of gray matter in brain regions.
• Which brain regions showed a relative size advantage for men?

  The occipital lobe, amygdala, and hippocampus.
• In which brain regions did women have more gray matter?

  The prefrontal cortex and insula.
• What are the two major types of brain tissue?

  Gray matter and white matter.
• What is the role of white matter in the brain?

  It connects gray matter and sends signals.
• What does Geert de Vries suggest about brain differences?

  They may optimize male and female brain functions.
• What does de Vries imply about male and female behaviors?

  Most functions should not differ significantly.
• What is gender dysphoria?

  A condition where biological sex and gender identity do not match.
• What are sex-role stereotypes?

  Expectations for appropriate behavior for genders.
• Why is the study of gender important in education?

  It affects career choices and representation in STEM.
• What does the PNAS study suggest about girls and reading skills?

  Girls excel in reading, affecting math career choices.
• How do boys and girls differ in their academic choices according to the study?

  Boys stick with STEM; girls often choose language fields.
• What are the key differences between sex and gender?

  • Sex: Biological status (male or female)
  • Gender: Psychosocial status (masculine or feminine)
  • Sex is innate; gender is influenced by culture
• What are the implications of gender stereotypes in children's stories?

  • Reinforce traditional gender roles
  • Limit children's perceptions of possibilities
  • Encourage conformity to societal expectations
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of content analysis in studying gender stereotypes?

  Strengths:

  • High external validity
  • Useful for ethical issues

  Weaknesses:

  • Subjective interpretation
  • Observer bias
• What is the significance of the bike test in gender studies?

  • Assesses perceived gender identity
  • Explores brain gender differences
  • Highlights societal expectations of gender
• What is the relationship between reading skills and career choices for girls?

  • Strong reading skills lead to career shifts
  • Girls may avoid math-heavy fields
  • Influences representation in STEM careers
• What are the implications of Raznahan's findings on brain structure?

  • Suggests potential links to behavior
  • Highlights complexity of brain function
  • Cautions against broad conclusions
• How do societal norms influence gender identity?

  • Gender is learned and fluid
  • Influenced by social context
  • Can change based on expectations