AP psychology 3.3 (gender & sexual orientation)

Sex

Your biological status (xx/female or xy/male chromosome pairs). These biological differences include reproductive anatomy

Gender

The expression of masculinity or femininity based on cultural expectations

Intersex

those born with some combination of both

Aggression

any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally

Relational Aggression

an act of aggression (physical or verbal) intended to harm a person’s relationship or social standing

X Chromosome

the sex chromosome found in females and males. Females typically have 2 X chromosomes; males typically have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child

Y Chromosome

the sex chromosome typically found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child

Testosterone

the most important male sex hormone. Males & females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs during the fetal period, and the development of male sex characteristics during puberty

Estrogen

sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than by males

Role

a set of expectations (norms) about social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave

Gender Roles

a set of expected behaviors, attitudes, & traits for males or females

Gender Identity

a sense of being male, female, or some combination of the two

Cultural Influences on Gender Roles

Gender roles are shaped by culture (in addition to biology) and have dramatically changed as cultures have shifted their norms and expectations

Sexual Aggression

any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted or intended to someone physically or emotionally

Social Learning Theory

a set of expectations (norms) about social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave

Gender Typing

the acquiring & internalizing (cognitive) of a traditional masculine or feminine role through social learning

Androgyny

displaying both traditional masculine and feminine characteristics

Transgender

an umbrella term describing people whose gender identity or expression differs from that associated with their birth-designated sex

Binary

strict male/female gender identity

Nonbinary

 less rigid and allows for more combinations of gender identity

Social learning theory

 states that our ideas about gender identity are learned through observation, imitation, & operant conditioning (reinforcements/rewards for a culture’s desired behavior based on gender)

Gender typing

 argues that gender identity varies from child to child and culture to culture. Parents are strong influences on the identities children form.

Social Script

a culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations

Sexual Orientation

our enduring sexual attraction, towards our own sex (homosexual) or the other sex (heterosexual); variations include toward both sexes (bisexual orientation)

Environment

environmental factors through research have been determined NOT to determine an individual’s sexuality

Biology

hence, researchers explore(d) possible biological influences on sexuality