Biological explanations of gender development

Biological explanations of gender development

• Emphasise the role of chromosomes and hormones in gender development (strongly support nature)
• Human beings have evolved so that males and females posses different chromosomes that trigger the production of different hormones. Hormonal differences between the sexes lead to differences in behaviour

Female: **

Male: XY

Atypical Chromosome Patterns

• Atypical chromosomes occur naturally and they offer an insight into how gender develops

Individuals with Turners syndrome ( XO chromosome pattern) identify themselves as females and behave similar to females - this suggests feminine gender identity can develop in the absence of ovaries

Psychical Characteristics: No ovaries, do not menstruate, short webbed…