3.3: Gender & Sexual Orientation

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 hurt 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, 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 characteristics, such as female breasts and hips, male voice quality, and body hair

Spermarche

first 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

a set of expected behaviors for males or for females

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 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

blending traditionally masculine and traditionally feminine psychological characteristics

Sexuality

our thoughts, feelings, and actions related to our physical attraction to another

Asexual

having no sexual attraction to others

social script

culturally modeled guide for how to act in various situations

sexual orientation

according to the APA (2015), "a person's sexual and emotional attraction to another person and the behavior and/or social affiliation that may result from this attraction."