Chapter 3 Sex and Gender

Sex

the biological classification maleness vs femaleness

Gender

social and cultural identification

Sexual Reproduction

Reproduction in which offspring are not identical of parent but rather a mix of parent genotypes

Asexual Reproduction

offspring are clones or parent, most common method of reproduction for single celled organisms

Hermaphroditic

organisms that have both male and female structures

Phenotypic Sex

Sex classified via presence of male or female external and internal genitalia. Phenotypic expression as male or female

Genetic Sex

Classification by sex chromosomes, XX = female, XY = male

Gonadal Sex

Sex classified via presence of testes or ovaries

SRY

leads to production of testis-determining factor, which causes immature gonads to differentiate into testes

What happens if SRY is absent

embryo will develop along female lines

Intersex

When biological sex is ambiguous

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Can affect males and females with a variety of health outcomes In females, typical ovary development, but overproduction of androgens result in external genitalia partly or completely male in appearance, and offspring are sometimes mis-identified as male at birth.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

1. Genetic males (XY) produce normal amounts of testosterone but lack testosterone receptors on their cells. 2. As a result, “ignore” signal for male differentiation. Develop along phenotypically female lines, but do not produce ovaries.

Gender Norms

societal expectations about how members of a gender will (and should) behave

Gender Binary

Western culture predominantly recognizes two genders: man/boy and woman/girl Gender binary is common among cultures, but not universal. Many cultures across the globe have recognized three or more genders.

Cisgender

assigned gender matches gender identity

Transgender

umbrella term for individuals whose gender identity does not match gender assigned to them at birth

Trans Woman

birth-assigned gender is masculine, gender identity is woman

Trans Men

birth-assigned gender is feminine, gender identity is man

Non-Binary

individuals identify as neither man nor woman, or do not want to be labeled. Sometimes included under transgender, sometimes not

What are common physical attributes of men

Males taller, more massive, denser skeleton, larger muscle fibers Males weaker immune system Males shorter lifespan

What are common psychological aspects of men

Men more aggressive across the lifespan Men score higher on risk taking and sensation seeking Differences in communication Men disclose less person/emotional information when communicating with other men

Gender Affirming Care

For trans individuals with binary gender identity, can undergo treatment so that body matches identity

What is partially reversable gender affirming care

Hormone treatment for puberty suppression or feminization/masculinization

What is non reversable gender affirming care

Surgical intervention