Gender Development

Question 1

Describe the process of brain masculinisation that takes place when a male foetus is
in the womb? Give lots of detail: When? What happens? Why does it happen?

Answer 1

Week 8 in the womb: Male foetuses begin producing testosterone from
testes; mothers also produce some testosterone –> circulates and changes brain development for male foetuses –> facilitates right hemisphere –> changes 2D:4D ratio (finger length), a rough marker of testosterone exposure

• biggest male-female differences in childhood: toy choice,
  playmate preference, rough & tumble play
• girls with more testosterone = more masculine play
• primates display gender-typed play similar to humans

Question 2

What is 2D:4D ratio and what is it used to indicate?

Answer 2

Ratio of index finger length to ring finger length.

Indicates fetal testosterone levels. Associated with sporting prowess, strength, musical ability, etc.

low ratio = higher testosterone, less social interest & understanding

Question 3

Discuss the evidence that sex differences are biologically caused.

Answer 3

Girls with CAH (congenital adrenal hyperplasia –> high prenatal androgen levels & greater masculinisation) –> more masculine play

Boys with CAIS (complete androgen insensitivity syndrome) –> individuals who have both ovarian and testicular tissue internally (an ovo-testis) –> can have ambiguous external genitalia
* Daughters of mothers with high levels of testosterone during pregnancy

Question 4

Are there biologically-caused differences in sociability between males and females?

Answer 4

Yes, girls look at experimenter more than the mobile, whilst boys do the opposite.

Question 5

Do primates share the same gender stereotypical play norms as us?

Answer 5

Both males & females interacted more with neutral than with “masculine” toys
* Females, but not males, interacted more with neutral and “masculine” toys than with “feminine” toys
* Highest frequency of interaction for any single toy for the
male monkeys was with the doll—standing is stark contrast
to previous findings

Question 6

What are the two theories of gender development?

Answer 6

1) Social Learning Theory: gender is learnt through imitation & observation, and reinforced by others

2) Cognitive Theory: children identify as either boy or girl first