Biological Explanation for Sex and Gender/Role of Chromosomes and Hormones Flashcards
(13 cards)
What determines biological sex at conception?
The combination of sex chromosomes determines biological sex.
XX = Female, XY = Male.
What gene triggers the development of testes in the embryo?
The SRY gene on the Y chromosome triggers the development of testes.
What do testes produce and what are its effects?
Testes produce testosterone, leading to male physical traits and masculine behaviours.
Examples include facial hair and aggression.
What happens in XX embryos in the absence of SRY?
In the absence of SRY, XX embryos develop ovaries, which produce oestrogen.
What is testosterone linked to?
Testosterone is linked to male development and masculine behaviours like aggression and competitiveness.
What is oestrogen linked to?
Oestrogen is linked to female development and feminine traits such as sensitivity and empathy.
What is oxytocin known as and what are its effects?
Oxytocin is known as the ‘love hormone’ and is associated with bonding and empathy.
Higher levels in women, especially during childbirth and breastfeeding.
What is a strength of the biological explanation of sex and gender?
Supporting evidence from atypical chromosome conditions shows how chromosomes influence both sex and gender.
What is Klinefelter’s syndrome and its effects?
Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY) in males leads to the development of female sex traits and feminine gender traits.
Examples include breast development and shyness.
What is Turner’s syndrome and its effects?
Turner’s syndrome (XO) in females leads to underdeveloped female sex traits and atypical gender traits.
Examples include lack of breasts and poor social skills.
What evidence supports the impact of transgender hormone therapy?
Testosterone given to female-to-male individuals increases male sex traits and masculine behaviours, while oestrogen given to male-to-female individuals results in some female sex traits and feminine behaviours.
What is a limitation of chromosomal disorder research?
Confounding variables may affect atypical behaviours, suggesting environmental factors could explain gender differences more than biology.
What is a limitation of hormone therapy evidence?
Changes in behaviour may result from identifying with a new gender role rather than hormones alone, questioning the credibility of hormonal influence on gender behaviour.
