Sex And Gender

Question 1

Define sex.

Answer 1

An individuals biological status as male or female, determined by chromosomes and genes which influence the production of hormones. These control the development of masculine and feminine physical characteristics. It is innate.

Question 2

Define gender.

Answer 2

The personal awareness of being male or female, which makes up an important part of an individuals identity. It is more fluid than sex.

Question 3

What is gender influenced by? (5)

Answer 3

Biology, cognitive processes, social experiences, nature and nurture.

Question 4

Briefly describe David Reimers case study.

Answer 4

He was born biologically male but raised female after accidental destruction of his penis as a baby. He said he never felt like a girl and eventually adopted a male identity, suggesting that biological factors may be most critical.

Question 5

Give an SCIP for David Reimer.

Answer 5

S - supports biology
C - case study, no abuse and effect, oversimplifies gender, baby X
I - biological reductionism
P - hormone replacement therapy

Question 6

Briefly describe the baby X studies.

Answer 6

Smith and Lloyd videotape d 32 mothers for 10 minutes playing with a baby that wasn’t theirs, dressed up as either a boy or a girl. They found the mothers gave the babies different toys and responded with different gross motor activity suggesting masculine and feminine behaviour is learned via socialisation.

Question 7

Give an SCIP for the baby X studies.

Answer 7

S - mead and malinowski - both challenge the biological basis to gender
c - David Reimer, demand characteristics
I - environmental reductionism
P - to remove gender constraints treat children as gender neutral. To be gendered treat them traditionally.