3.3a Gender and Sexual Orientation: Gender Development

Sex

In psychology, 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 male and female biological sexual characteristics at birth

Aggression

Any physical or verbal behavior intended to harm 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 females and males; females typically have two X chromosomes; males typically 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 male sex hormone; males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs during the fetal period and the development of male sex characteristics during puberty

Estrogens

Sex hormones, such as estradiol, that contribute to female sex characteristics and are secreted in greater amounts by females than by males

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

The first ejaculation

Menarche

The first menstrual period

Gender roles

A set of expected behaviors, attitudes, and traits for men and for women

Sexual aggression

Any physical or verbal behavior of a sexual nature that is unwanted or 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 identity matches our sex assigned at birth, and the social affiliation 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

Displaying traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics