AP PSYC Module 3.3a Gender and Sexual orientation: Gender development

sex

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

gender

in psychology, the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person's biological sex.

Intersex

possessing biological sexual characteristics of both sexes at birth

Agression

any physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone physically or emotionally

relational aggression

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

X chromosome

The sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two X chromosomes; males have one. An X chromosome from each parent produces a female child.

Y chromosome

the sex chromosome typically found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child.

Testosterone

the most important of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty

Estrogens

sex hormones, such as estradiol, secreted in greater amounts by females than by males and contributing to female sex characteristics. In nonhuman female mammals, estrogen levels peak during ovulation, promoting sexual receptivity

primary sex characteristics

the body structures (ovaries, testes, and external genitalia) that make sexual reproduction possible

secondary sex characteristics

nonreproductive sexual traits, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair

spermarche

first occurrence of ejaculation

menarche

the first menstrual period

role

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

gender role

sets of behavioral norms assumed to accompany one's status as male or female

sexual aggression

any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is intended to harm someone physically or emotionally. Can be expressed as either sexual harassment or sexual assault

gender identity

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

social learning theory

the theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished

gender typing

the acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role

Androgyny

blending traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics