Genetic explanation

• • some variants of the androgen receptor gene (responds to se hormones) may be responsible
  • producing lower than average levels of hormones
  • predisposes the individual to have gender dysphoria
  • it can be explored through gene mapping studies
• Strengths

  • Hare - found a correlation between gender dysphoria in males and a variant of the androgen receptor gene
  • Heylens
  • 39% concordance in MZ twins
  • 0% concordance in DZ twins
• Limitation - inconsistent evidence (this variant of the androgen receptor gene is not found in all those who have gender dysphoria)
• BOTH biological explanations are reductionist

  • suggesting that the only thing contributing the gender dysphoria is biological, internal processes
  • overlooks the influence of other, environmental influences