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ATYPICAL SEX CHROMOSOME PATTERNS - KLINEFELTER'S SYNDROME + TURNERS…
ATYPICAL SEX CHROMOSOME PATTERNS - KLINEFELTER'S SYNDROME + TURNERS SYNDROME
Not all individuals are born with the typical sex chromosome pattern (XX) (XY)
Klinefelter's Syndrome
Affects males (XXY)
Affects biological males who have the anatomical appearance of a male but they have an additional chromosome
Two thirds of people who have the condition are unaware they have it
Physical characteristics of the condition
= reduced body hair, some breat development at puberty, more susceptible to breast cancer, rounding of body contours, underdeveloped genitals, problems with co-ordination
Behavioural characteristics of the condition
= poorly developed language + reading skills, passive/shy, lack interest in sexual activity + show memory/problem solving difficulties
Turner's Syndrome
Affects females (XO)
These individuals will have 45 chromosomes rather than 46
Affects biological females + involves the absence of 2 allocated X chromosomes (XO)
Physical characteristics of the condition
= females have no menstrual cycle as their ovaries fail to develop, they don't develop breasts + are characterised by a flat broad chest, low set ears, webbed neck + appearance of pre-pubescent girls
Psychological characteristics of the condition
= higher than average reading ability, performance in mathematical tasks is lower than average, they are socially immature + have trouble relating to their peers and 'fitting in'
USEFUL BECAUSE THEY CONTRIBUTE TO OUR UNDERSTANDING OF NATURE-NURTURE DEBATE OF GENDER DEVELOPMENT
We are able to compare psychological + behavioural differences between typical and atypical individuals
Any differences would suggest that 'nature' and biology has a powerful effect on psychology and behaviour than nurture
RESEARCH HAS PRACTICAL APPLICATION
The more research conducted in this particular area is likely to lead to earlier diagnoses and more positive futures for these individuals
A recent Australian study investigated 87 individuals with Klinefelter's syndrome + found that those identified at a young age saw significant benefits compared to those diagnosed in adulthood
CAUTION SHOULD ALWAYS BE EXERCISED WHEN DRAWING CONCLUSIONS FROM UNUSUAL + UNREPRESENTATIVE SAMPLES
For example, atypical chromosomal patterns
It is difficult to generalise these findings to the wider population as these individuals who look different are also likely to be treated differently
This can muddy the waters when trying to assess whether gender development is a result of nature or nurture.
Also, two thirds of individuals with the condition do not know they have it + only a smaller % have been studied which demonstrated the small sample of these individuals who have been involved in research
WE CAN'T ESTABLISH CAUSE + EFFECT BETWEEN CHROMOSOMAL ABNORMALITIES + DIFFERENCS IN BEHAVIOUR IN THESE INDIVIDUALS
Social + environmental causes may be the reason for these differences
For example, they are treated differently because they look different
Social immaturity in female with Turner's Syndrome may arise as they are treated 'immaturely' by others due to their pre-pubescent appearance