Sex, Gender and Sexuality

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality, as outlined in the lecture notes.

Sex

Biologically influenced characteristics that define male, female, and intersex.

Intersex

Possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth.

Gender

The behavioral characteristics that people associate with boy, girl, man, woman, or neither/both.

Chromosomes

46 chromosomes received from parents, including 22 pairs common to everyone and one pair that determines biological sex.

XX chromosomes

Typically associated with female biological sex.

XY chromosomes

Typically associated with male biological sex.

Spermarche

The first ejaculation, usually occurring around age 14.

Menarche

The first menstrual period, generally occurring around age 12.5.

Gender Identity

A person’s internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between.

Gender Role

Set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits associated with being male or female.

Androgyny

Blending traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics.

Sexual Orientation

The direction of one's sexual attractions, such as heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, or asexual.

Stereotype Threat

Fear of confirming a negative stereotype about one's group, leading to increased anxiety and reduced performance.

Gender Dysphoria

Distress arising from a conflict between a person's birth-assigned sex and their gender identity.

Paraphilias

Sexual arousal from nonhuman objects, suffering of self or others, and/or nonconsenting persons.

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

Infection that can be transferred from one person to another through sexual contact.

AIDS

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Minority Stress

Chronic stigma experienced by LGBTQ+ individuals leading to heightened anxiety and suicidality.

Social Learning Theory

Theory that we learn social behavior by observing, imitating, and being rewarded or punished.

Gender Roles

Socially constructed norms that dictate appropriate behavior for individuals based on their sex.

Sexual Dysfunction

Problems that consistently impair sexual arousal or functioning.