psylife4_ch10_lecppt

Chapter 10: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Overview

• Big Questions:

  • What are the aspects of our biological sex?

  • How do we experience gender?

  • How do we vary in sexual orientation?

  • What motivates us to have sexual relations (or not to)?

Study Units

• 10.1 Genetics and hormones are aspects of biological sex.

• 10.2 Some people experience variations in biological aspects of sex.

• 10.3 Thoughts about gender affect our perceptions, expectations, and actions.

• 10.4 Gender identity is how you think and feel about your own gender.

• 10.5 People vary in gender identity.

• 10.6 Using psychology in your life: How can you support people of all gender identities?

• 10.7 Variations in sexual orientation are common.

• 10.8 Sexual orientation has biological basis.

• 10.9 Biology influences the motivation for sexual activity.

• 10.10 Environmental context influences the motivations for sexual activity.

• 10.11 Individual differences influence the motivation for sexual activity.

10.1 Genetics and Hormones Are Aspects of Biological Sex

Key Concepts

• Assigned sex at birth may correspond with biological aspects of sex; some people's gender does not align with their biological sex ( non-binary).

• Four Aspects of Biological Sex:

  1. Sex chromosomes

  2. Sex glands

  3. Secondary sex characteristics

  4. Primary sex characteristics

Detailed Explanation

1. Sex Chromosomes:

   • XX (female) and XY (male); determined at conception.

2. Sex Glands:

   • Ovaries (female) and Testes (male); release hormones (estrogens and androgens).

3. Secondary Sex Characteristics:

   • Physical traits that develop during puberty.

   • Females: breast development, waist definition.

   • Males: facial hair, muscle mass increase.

4. Primary Sex Characteristics:

   • Directly related to sexual reproduction (e.g., mature genitals).

Variations in Biological Sex

• Differences in sexual development (DSD) emerge when typical male/female categories do not apply; includes intersex individuals.

10.2 Variations in Biological Aspects of Sex

Key Concepts

• DSD occurs in 1 in every 4,500 to 5,000 live births.

• Examples:

  • Klinefelter syndrome: presence of an extra X chromosome (XXY).

  • Turner syndrome: only one sex chromosome (XO).

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): XY may develop ambiguous genitalia.

• Variations challenge binary categorization of sex.

10.3 Thoughts About Gender

Gender Definitions

• Gender encompasses social, cultural, and psychological factors regarding masculinity and femininity.

• Understanding gender involves moving beyond a binary perspective, embracing a spectrum of identities.

Gender Schemas

• Gender Schemas: cognitive structures for categorizing gender information.

• Stereotypes: generalized beliefs about gender based on observations.

• Cultural context significantly influences gender expectations and roles.

10.4 Gender Identity

Understanding Gender Identity

• Individual understanding of personal gender.

• Gender identity is flexible and may be influenced by societal factors.

• Cognitive development plays a role in shaping gender identity (ages 2-7).

10.5 Variability in Gender Identity

Key Terms

• Cisgender: gender identity aligns with biological sex.

• Transgender: gender identity does not align with assigned sex at birth.

• Non-Binary: identifies outside traditional male female categories.

10.6 Support for All Gender Identities

Recommendations

• Use preferred names/pronouns.

• Acknowledge privacy regarding biological aspects of sex.

• Distinguish between gender identity and sexual orientation.

10.7 Variations in Sexual Orientation

Definitions

• Sexual orientation: enduring attractions (sexual, emotional, romantic).

• Types:

  • Heterosexual: attraction to the opposite sex.

  • Homosexual: attraction to the same sex.

  • Bisexual: attraction to both sexes.

  • Asexual: no sexual attraction.

10.8 Biological Basis of Sexual Orientation

Influences

• Established theories suggest biological factors significantly contribute to sexual orientation.

• Genetics: higher concordance in identical twins for orientation.

• Hormonal exposure: prenatal hormone levels may influence sexual orientation.

10.9 Sexual Activity Motivation

Influences on Desire

• Desire as a psychological experience influenced by biology, culture, and individuality.

• Masters and Johnson's Sexual Response Cycle: includes excitement, plateau, orgasm, and resolution stages.

10.10 Environmental Influence on Motivation

Cultural Context

• Cultural norms shape perceptions of sexual behavior; shifting norms towards casual relationships.

• Media representation impacts beliefs about sexuality and sexual relationships.

10.11 Individual Differences in Motivation

Factors Affecting Motivation

• Paraphilias: unchanging sexual interests in non-typical objects or situations.

• Sexual dysfunction: significant issues in sexual functioning that are common across genders and ages.

• Psychological and emotional experiences play a crucial role in sexual motivations.