Role of Chromosomes and Hormones

Chromosomes

M = XY, F = XX

All eggs have X, sperm has Y

SRY gene in Y chromosome -> development of testes in male foetus (releases androgens)

Hormones

Impacts brain development and reproductive organs prenatally

Development of secondary sexual characteristics at puberty

Testosterone

Controls development of make sex organs during foetal development and promotes development of secondary sexual characteristics

Oestrogen

Regulates menstruation and promotes development of secondary sexual characteristics

Oxytosin

Reduces cortisol facilitating bonding, produced in large amounts during childbirth

AO3

(+) Research support

(-) Reductionist theory

(-) Ignores social factors

(+) Research support

Money + Ehrhardt

David Reimer case study

-strong male identity despite being raised asa girl, struggled to adjust being socialised as a girl

Van Goozen et al.

Trans people on HRT -> women had decrease in agression and visuospatial skills (opposite for men)

(-) Reductionist theory

Ignores/underplays alternate explanations

e.g. SLT/cognitive

Reduces explanation

(-) Ignores social factors

Hofstede et al.

Gender roles around the world much more a consequence of social norms than biology

Masculinity and femininity associated with either individualist/collectivist cultures

e.g. Individualists sore higher for fem as they promote nurting and co-operative behaviour

-Challenges biological explanation