The role of chromosomes and hormones

Biological approach, explanation

How many chromosomes does a human have?

23 pairs, 23rd determines biological sex

What is the male sex chromosome?

XY

What is the female sex chromosome?

XX

What does the SRY gene do?

Sex determining region Y, in the Y chromosome. Causes androgens to be produced in male embryo

What is gender development governed by?

Hormones

What hormone is a key role in male development and aggression?

Testosterone → because such behaviour is adaptive for males, e.g. for competing with other males ot mate with a fertile female and also for hunting

What hormone is a key role in development and behaviour and conrols female characteristics including mestruation?

Oestrogen → during menstrual cycle, some women experience heightened emotionality and irritability (premenstrual syndrome). In extreme cases, PMS has been used (controversially) as a defence for violent behaviour in women

What hormone is implicated in lactation and bonding?

Oxytocin stimulates lactation in post birth, reduces stress hormone cortisol, facilitates bonding, explains why females more interested in intimacy in relationships — though amounts are same in both when kissing

One strength is evidence supports the role of testosterone.

• Wang et al gave 227 hypogonadal men testosterone therapy for 180 days

• Testosterone replacement improved sexual function, libido, mood, significant increase in muscle strength in sample

• Testerone has strong influence

Counterpoint to evidence supporting the role of testosterone.

• In another study, increasing testosterone levels in healthy young men did not significantly increase either interactional/non-interactional components of sexual behaviour

• In ‘normal’ adults, additional testosterone has no effects on behaviour

• Doesnt’t challenge role of testosterone in early development

One limitation is that biological accounts ignore social factors.

• Hofstede et al. claimed that gender roles more about social factors than biolofy

• Countries w/ individualist cultures are more masculine, masculine traits more valued than in collevtivist cultures

• Challenges biological explanations of gender behaviour and suggests social factors ultimately more important in shaping gender behaviours

Another limitation is that biological explanations are reductionist.

• Accounts that reduce gender to physiological level exclude alternative explanations

• Cognitive explanations include influence of schema

• Psychodynamic explanations include childhood experiences

• Gender is complex than just biology