Gender

• Define the word 'sex'


  Refers to the biological gender of either male or female
• Define the word gender.


  The psychological construct that refers to a person's sense of and expression of their masculinity or femininity
• What is androgyny?


  The combination of masculine and feminine characteristics in an individual.
• What is meant by the word binary?


  Choice of two states, meaning a person can only be male or female.
• What is gender dysphoria?

  The feeling of discomfort with the gender assigned to them at birth.
• What does it mean if a person is gender fluid?


  Gender identity varies over time/not having a fixed gender.
• Gender schema


  An organised set of beliefs, knowledge and expectations related to gender that are derived from experience. These guide a person's understanding of their own gender and gender-appropriate behaviour in general
• Transgender


  Relating to a person whose gender does not correspond with their birth sex
• What does the term non-binary mean?

  Gender can't be divided into two distinct category/gender is not about being one or the other
• Alpha Bias


  Assumes that males and females are different and exaggerates these differences. Encourages females and males to identify with the typical gender associated with their biological sex.
• Beta Bias


  Assumes males and females are the same and minimises their difference.
• Testosterone

  • Triggered in the womb by the SRY gene
  • Prenatal exposure affects genital formation and starts masculinisation
  • After birth leads to male type activity interests and engagement such as; toy preference, adult career, and spatial abilities
• Oestrogen

  • prenatal exposure affects brain development in female foetus, causing them to have smaller brain size
  • After birth promotes development of secondary sexual characteristics
• Oxytocin

  • Released in high amount s during and after birth
  • Aids emotional bonding, help mother feel 'in love' with baby
  • Affects stress responses. F=tend and befriend M=fight or flight