gender

• Testosterone (androgen) - determines male sexual characteristics

  • brain sex: responsible for increased size of an area of the hypothalamus in males: sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN)
  • linked to aggression in animal studies
• Oestrogen- produced by ovaries which controls development of female sex organs and menstruation.

  • Associated with caring and sensitiveness, low levels during menstruation women may experience emotionality and irritability
• • Oxytocin (higher levels in females)- thought to influence several sex differences in behaviour
  • produced in large amounts when women give birth nurturing behaviour)- stimulates lactation (nurturing behaviour)
  • reduces levels of stress hormone cortisol- encourages bonding with baby
• (-) AO3 - Role of chromosomes and hormones: Animal studies

  Animal studies allow for controlled experiments showing causal relationships - Young (1966) - male hormones given to female rats led to change in behaviour.

  BUTExtrapolating results from animal studies and generalising them onto humans provides an incomplete picture of human sex and gender. Human experience of gender is influenced by socialisation (Smith & Lloyd), by culture (Mead) and by complex cognitive schemas. These processes are not present in animals
• (-) AO3 - Role of chromosomes and hormones: Biological Reductionism

  -oversimplifies gender to say that gender-related behaviour is simply due to biological structures and chemicals - SLT (reinforcement), cognitive (schemas), psychodynamic (childhood experiences).- Interactionism more holistic.- hormones simplistically viewed as ’male’ and ‘female’- oestradiol a type of oestrogen is crucial for male sexuality: sex drive, erectile function and sperm production.
• Klinefelter's Syndrome XXY-extra X chromosome

  Associated with cognitive difficulties e.g. dyslexia (difficulty reading and writing) and can be passive but also easy to upset showing aggresive outburts.

  Affects 1 in 1000 males

  lack of facial hair, tall, small testes and some breast tissue development and long limbs.

  broader hips, lack of interest in sexual activity, good memory and problem solving.
• Turner's Syndrome X0

  • missing X chromosome. Associated with high levels of verbal skills
  • 1 in 5000 females.
  • Wide variety of other symptoms: good language/reading skills, shorter than usual stature, no breast development, infertility. Low visual ability and socially immature.
  • No menstrual cycle, narrow hips, short, wide chest, short webbed neck, smaller lower jaw.