15.3

Prenatal Development

The stage of development before birth during which sexual reproductive organs are formed.

SRY Gene

A gene found on the Y chromosome that triggers the differentiation of gonads into testes in male embryos.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

A condition in which genetic males develop female external genitalia due to malfunctioning androgen receptor cells.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A genetic condition leading to the production of high levels of androgen hormones, which can result in masculinized external genitalia in genetic females.

Bipotentiality

The ability of the embryo to develop either female or male sexual organs depending on the presence of specific hormones.

Gender Schema Theory

A cognitive framework that helps children organize information related to gender and categorize gender roles.

Gender Constancy

The understanding that a person's gender identity remains stable over time and across different situations.

Hostile Sexism

A form of sexism that promotes male dominance and disparages women seeking equality.

Benevolent Sexism

A form of sexism in which women are viewed as needing protection, perpetuating traditional gender roles.

Intersex Conditions

Variations in sexual development that result in individuals having sexual characteristics that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.

Gender Segregation

The tendency for children to associate primarily with same-gender peers and avoid interacting with peers of the opposite gender.

Gender Roles

Socially constructed roles that dictate how individuals should behave based on their perceived gender.

Cognitive Flexibility

The mental ability to switch between thinking about different concepts or to think about multiple concepts simultaneously.

Essentialist Thinking

The belief that certain traits or behaviors are inherent and essential to being categorized as male or female.

Peer Pressure

The influence exerted by peers to encourage certain behaviors, attitudes, or values within a group.

Sexual Objectification

The process of treating a person as an object, which can negatively impact individuals' body image and self-esteem.

Gender-Typed Behaviors

Actions and preferences that are traditionally associated with either males or females.

Mixed-Gender Friendships

Friendships that include both boys and girls, which become more common during adolescence.

Gender-Role Flexibility

The ability to move away from traditional gender roles and embrace a wider array of interests and identities.