Ch. 3 The Nature and Nurture of Sex and Gender Flashcards
Week 2 (31 cards)
How does nature and nurture interactively contribute to the development of sex and gender?
both nature and nurture play complex interconnected roles in creating and shaping sex and gender. evidenced by gene-by-environment interactions, and how ones lifestyle choices can influence the genetic material they pass on to their children (epigenetics).
What is gene-by-environment interaction?
a genetic effect only occurs after a person is exposed to a specific environmental context. so when a specific genetic effect of a trait or behaviour only emerges under certain environmental circumstances
How do chromosomes, genes, and hormones shape sex differentiation in both typical and atypical cases?
conceptions occurs when sperm fertilizes an egg, where an XY chromo configuration generally leading to the devel of male sex organs, and XX chromo configuration leading to the devel of female sex organs. the devel of male sex organs depends on the SRY gene of the Y chromo, which is responsible for the production of testosterone (and other hormones) that leads to the devel of male sex organs/the devel of male gonads/testes. in the absence of the SRY gene, female gonads/ovaries develop. however if testost is not produced, those with XX and XY pairings will develop female gonads/sex organs. theres a variety of intersex conditions that may lead to atypical gonadal arrangements, some of which are due to an atypical chromosomal pattern - XXX (triple X syndrome), XXY (klinefleter syndrome), and XYY (jacobs syndrome) - while others are due to an atypical hormone production or response - CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia), and AIS (androgen insensitivity syndrome)
What is XXX triple X syndrome?
typical gender ID is female, have female typical int and ext genitalia
What is XXY klinefelter syndrome?
typical gender ID is male, appear male at birth, tend to have small testicles and enlarged breasts.
What is XYY jacobs syndrome?
typical gender ID is male, tend to have high testosterone lvls, tall and thin.
What is CAH congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
genetic females may ID as either male or female. body overmanufactures androgens/testosterone. genetic females (XX) have int female reproductive organs but tend to have more male-appearing ext genitalia.
What is AIS androgen insensitivity syndrome?
genetic males typically ID as female. int male gonads but female appearing external genitalia. happens bc cells of body do not respond to androgens
What are the biological and sociocultural factors that shape sex assignment and gender ID?
most cultures take the perspective of there being 2 binary non overlapping sexes and 2 binary gender identities. ppl with intersex conditions or who ID as transgender, often feel marginalized, discriminated against, or shunned in these cultures. many parents opt to have intersex newborns receive surgery to attempt to align their childs biological sex with their optimal sex, with the success of those surgeries being p for debate. some transgender ppl may use gender confirming medical procedures to help align their physical traits with their identity.
What is optimal sex?
the binary sex for intersex ppl that is seen to be most advantageous to assign to a newborn whose genitalia appear atypical at birth.
What is the evidence for sex differences in the brain, and the prevalence of neurosexism?
sex diffs in the brain are small and generally do not lead to significant behavioural differences btwn males and females. however there are some differences that are the result of testosterone exposure in early development. neurosexism is quite prominent today, and researchers should take precautionary steps to ensure that their findings cannot be used to justify sexism.
What is neurosexism?
interpreting the results of neuroscience research in such a way that fosters inequality btwn the genders by reinforcing existing stereotypes without valid supporting evidence.
What are the roles of nature and nurture in theories of the origins of sex differences?
evolutionary theories assume that human behavioural and psych attributes are reflective of adaptive mechanisms that helped our ancestors survive and reproduce. some of the environmental pressures differed for our male and female ancestors, which in turn is believed to be responsible for the differences we see in women and men today. biosocial constructionist approach suggests that physical differences btwn women and men resulted in the more traditional division of labour btwn genders. the difference in the division of labour has led each gender to be socialized in diff ways and to learn diff skills sets, thus leading to the creation of modern gender roles and the differences we see in men and women today. even though gender roles may no longer serve a purpose in our society, violating them may still lead to social discomfort for women and men.
What is intersex?
ppl who the biological components of sex (hormones, chromosomes, or int and ext genitalia) dont fit the typical male or female pattern.
What are genes?
units of heredity that are passed down from parent to offspring, consisting of specific sequences of DNA that carry instructions for the offsprings characteristics.
What is genetics?
the scientific study of genes and how physical traits are inherited,
What is epigenetics?
the scientific study of biological mechanisms that guide whether or not certain genes get expressed.
what are chromosomes?
the organized units of genes found in all cells of living organisms
What are gonads?
the sex organs (ovaries and testes) that produce sex cells (egg and sperm) and sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone).
What are hormones?
chemical substances that regulate bodily fxns such as reproduction, digestion, and growth.
What is the genital tubercle?
the undifferentiated embryonic structure that becomes the clitoris or penis
what is the differences of sex development?
conditions present at birth in which sex development varies from the norm in terms of chromosomes, gonads, or anatomy.
What are gender confirmation procedures?
hormone tx’s, surgeries, speech therapies, psychotherapies that trans ppl sometimes seek to bring their phys bodies into greater alignment with their psych IDs.
What is magnetic resonance imaging?
an imaging procedure that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create high resolution images of brain structures
