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GENDER- the role of chromosomes and hormones - Coggle Diagram
GENDER- the role of chromosomes and hormones
chromosomes and hormones
chromosomes
-
23 pairs of biological threads inside the nucleus of the cells. they carry genotypes that code for physical and behavioural characteristics- phenotypes
chromosomes role in
sex
- 23rd pair of chromosomes determine bio sex. XX- F XY- M. Teste develop due to Y chromosome which produce androgens (male sex hormones) resulting in other sex differences
chromosomes role in
gender
- genetic differences between biologically male and female chromosomes are thought to result in observable behavioural variations- because they code for different neuronal structures and hormone levels that influence gender expression.
hormones-
biochemical messengers that are released from glands into bloodstream. they can then influence the functioning of other bodily organs and systems
testosterone-
male sex hormone, higher concentration in men. development of male foetus. secondary sexual characteristics in adulthood. the role in gender- thought to be linkes to aggression - masculine trait
oestrogen-
female sex hormone, higher concentration in females. regulates menstural cycle and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. role in gender- high levels after giving birth which is linked to maternal caregiving behavioour and a reduction of these levels is implicated in feelings of irritability
oxytocin-
more released in females but the same amount is released from both sexes during intercourse. it stimulates lactation in females, reduces the effect of the stress hormone cortisol. role in gender- caring/attachment behaviour in females. pair bonding behaviour in both genders
research eveluations for the role of chromosomes and hormones in sex and gender
POSITIVE- childhood gender identity was collected from over 8k twin pairs (MZ and DZ) as part of a longitudinal twin study in the netherlands. data reveales that 70% of the variance in gender identity was due to genetic factors which suggests that atypical gender development is heritable. NEGATIVE TO SOCIAL LEARING THEORY- girls with female co-twins were more likely to show cross-gendered behaviour than girls with male co-twins, counter to whatb we would expect in SLT- further suggesting atypical gender development is a biological and not psychological process.
POSITIVE- the genomes of 13 transgender individuals were sequenced and compared to 88 controls. found that 21 gene variations were associated with oestrogen reception in areas of the brain shown to become sexually dimorphic before birth. this suggests that sex hormone exposure before birth results in sexually dimorphic brain development contributing to gender dysphoria.
POSITIVE- female rats stopped displaying caring behaviour toward their babies when they were given a drug that stopped oxytocin production and oestrogen production. male castrated mice reduced aggressive biting which then returned to normal levels when they were injected with testosterone. this suggests that hormonal changed result in changed to sex typed behaviour.
NEGATIVE- Mead's study into tribes in new ginea discussed more in
https://coggle.it/diagram/ZHOF8BvU4kDkr5fJ/t/gender-sex-and-gender
general evaluations
NEGATIVE- animal studies show causual relationships but we cant generalise them to us because we also learn gender through cultural and social processes as well as complex cognitive processes which animals dont undergo
POSITIVE- an understanding of how hormones impact behaviour can help treat mothers who struggle to bond with their infant sna heightened aggression
NEGATIVE- study was done that foud women experienced higher levels of testosterone when they were in a potition of power (firing someone from a job). this suggests that maybe our hormone levels are a result of socialisation processes. men are raised to be more competitive . reductionist approach
atypical sex chromosome patterns
XXY Klinefelters
1/660 males
reduced facial hair, tall with long limbs, small testes, development of breast tissue
cognitive difficulties like dyslexia. can be easy to upset- aggressive outbursts
X0 Turner
1/2000 girls
no menstural cycle. short, limited breast tissue, immature appearance
high level of verbal skill. low visual ability and socially immature.
AO3
POSITIVE- research on these conditions has led to medical interventions. EG- oestrogen therapy in TS patientd has helped normalise physical development during puberty which increases height and breast development. testosterone therapy in KS led to facial hair development as well as improving energy levels as well as learning and behavioural issues.