3.3a Gender and Sexual Orientation: Gender Development

Learning Targets

  • 3.3-1 Explain how the meaning of gender differs from the meaning of sex.

  • 3.3-2 Explain some ways in which males and females tend to be alike and tend to differ.

  • 3.3-3 Explain how sex hormones influence prenatal and adolescent sexual development.

  • 3.3-4 Explain some cultural influences on gender roles.

  • 3.3-5 Explain how we form our gender identity.

Differences Between Sex and Gender (3.3-1)

  • Sex:

  • Biologically influenced characteristics defining male, female, and intersex individuals.

    • Males: XY chromosomes, higher testosterone levels, testes.

    • Females: XX chromosomes, higher estrogen levels, ovaries.

    • Intersex: Variations in chromosomes (e.g., XXY) leading to mixed biological characteristics.

  • Gender:

  • Socially constructed attitudes, feelings, and behaviors inherited from cultural associations with biological sex.

    • Example: Men as breadwinners; women responsible for family duties.

Similarities and Differences Between Males and Females (3.3-2)

  • Main Similarities:

  • All humans have 45 unisex chromosomes (23 from each parent).

  • Historical need for cooperation in survival shaped some commonalities.

  • Main Differences:

  • Aggression:

    • Males: Physical aggression (hits, pushes). Influenced by testosterone levels.

    • Females: Relational aggression (verbal confrontations, manipulation).

  • Social Power:

    • Men often hold positions of authority and control, while women are typically associated with nurturing roles.

  • Social Connectedness:

    • Men: More independent, competitive interactions.

    • Women: More focused on relationships and emotional closeness.

Influence of Sex Hormones on Development (3.3-3)

  • Prenatal Development:

  • Y chromosome triggers testes development, producing testosterone.

  • Estrogen influences female characteristics.

  • Adolescent Development:

  • Puberty markers: First ejaculation (spermarche) for boys, first menstrual period (menarche) for girls.

  • Development of primary (reproductive organs) and secondary sex characteristics (breasts, pubic hair).

  • Variations:

  • Intersex differences and conditions like Klinefelter's syndrome (XXY) and Turner syndrome (X0).

Cultural Influences on Gender Roles (3.3-4)

  • Culture shapes expectations and behaviors associated with gender; it outlines how individuals should act based on their biological sex.

  • Examples of historical access to rights (e.g., women’s suffrage) and current disparities in representation (STEM fields).

  • Cultural norms vary by region and history, influencing the expectations placed on gender roles.

  • In nomadic societies, less division by sex; in agricultural societies, more defined roles emerge.

  • Societies with strong gender equality norms advocate for equal opportunities across genders.

Formation of Gender Identity (3.3-5)

  • Definition: Gender identity refers to one’s personal sense of being male, female, or non-binary and might not align with sex assigned at birth.

  • Influences:

  • Social Learning Theory: Identity formed through observation, imitation, and reinforcement of gendered behaviors.

  • Gender Typing: Children learning expected behaviors based on cultural perceptions of gender.

  • Androgyny: Combines masculine and feminine traits; adaptable individuals may thrive in varied environments.

  • Those with non-binary identities may not fit into traditional male or female classifications.

  • Cultural understanding varies; acknowledgment of non-binary identities is growing.

  • Historical references to non-conformance in gender roles illustrate the evolving landscape of gender identification.