3.3a - Gender and Sexual Orientation: Gender Development

sex

biologically influenced characteristics by which people define male, female, and intersex

gender

attitudes/feelings/behaviors that a given culture associates with a person’s biological sex

intersex

possessing male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

aggression

physical/verbal behavior intended to harm someone physically or emotionally

relational aggression

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

ex) hurtful gossip, disclose private info, shutting someone out, online bullying

X chromosome

• sex chromosome in females/males

• Fem 2 male 1 (usually)

• 1 X from each parent = female child

Y chromosome

• sex chromosome typically found only in males

• XY = male

testosterone

• most important male sex hormone

• males/females have it

• Additional testosterone in males stimulates growth of male sex organs in fetal period and development of male sex characteristics during puberty

estrogens

• sex hormones that contribute to female sex characteristics

• Females secrete more than males

primary sex characteristics

body structures that make sexual reproduction possible (ovaries, testes, external gen!italia)

secondary sex characteristics

nonreproductive sexual traits (body hair, female breasts/hips, male voice quality)

spermarche

first ejaculation

menarche

first menstrual period

role

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

gender role

a set of expected behaviors/attitudes/traits for men/women

gender schema

mental structure to help process/understand gender-related information

*observe, incorporate into schema, match behavior to what is ‘appropriate’

sexual aggression

physical/verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted or intended to harm someone physically or emotionally
*sexual harassment, sexual assault

gender identity

our personal sense of being male, female, neither, or some combination of male and female, regardless of whether this identity matches our sex assigned at birth, and the social affiliation that may result from this identity

social learning theory

social behavior is learned by observing, imitating, and being rewarded/punished
ex) Tina, you are a good mommy to your dolls
ex) Big boys don’t cry

gender typing

the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role

androgyny

blending traditionally masculine/feminine psychological characteristics

more social power?

more independent?

male (better leaders/executives/negotiators)

male (females more interdependent/social)