The bio explanation as a hole

what can we divide the bio explanation into

A typical chromosomes + Hormones

decribe chromosomes role in gender

Genetic differences between biologically male and female chromosomes are thought to result in observable behavioural variations this is by coding for different neuronal structures and hormone levels that go on to influence gender expression

define hormones

These are bio chemical messengers that are released from glands into the bloodstream. When in the bloodstream they can influence the function of other bodily organs and systems. 

Androgens 

male sex hormones, such as testosterone 

testosterone

An androgen responsible for developing secondary sex characteristics eg more muscle mass

oestrogen

A female sex hormone responsible for developing the secondary characteristic of females eg breast tissue and menstrual cycle 

Gonads

the primary reproductive organs, the testes in males and ovaries in females

One limitation is that they use animal studies to research hormones

A further limitation though is that much of the research into the role of hormones in sex and gender can be criticised for being based upon animal studies.​

For example, Gorski’s research into the effects of hormones upon gendered development involved injecting female rats with testosterone for a period prior to their birth. ​

Whilst the findings suggested masculinised behaviours and genitals, this might not be true of humans, especially given the complexity of human gendered development which includes social and cultural influences.​

Overall, this reduces the external validity of biological explanations because the results of animal research cannot be generalised beyond the experiment to humans.​

One strength there is evidence related to Oxyctocin

There is additional evidence of a relationship between oxytocin and maternal behaviour.​

Van Leengoed et al. found that when female rats were given an oxytocin antagonist shortly after birth, their maternal behaviours such as grooming and retrieving their pups were inhibited.​

This suggests that oxytocin plays a critical role in maternal behaviours, which are strongly associated with female gender roles, highlighting another biological influence on gendered behaviour.​

Overall, this is useful to our understanding of gender development as it demonstrates how hormones such as oxytocin are important in shaping gender-specific behaviours.​