Other
AQA A Level Gender Revision Notes
- Course
- Institution
- Book
AQA A Level Gender Revision Notes
[Show more]
Connected book
Book Title:
Author(s):
- Edition:
- ISBN:
- Edition:
More summaries for
-
AQA A Level Research Methods Revision Notes
-
AQA A Level Social Influence Revision Notes
-
AQA A Level Schizophrenia Revision Notes
Seller
Follow
galbraithsophie
Content preview
GENDERBiological explanations of
gender development:
SEX – identifying a person chromosomally as male (XY) or female (XX), we
have 23 pairs of chromosomes and one pair are the sex chromosomes
(determine your sex)
GENDER – masculine and feminine traits and behaviours,
societally/culturally determined
FOETAL DEVELOPMENT – there are no structural differences between
genetically male and female embryos in the first few weeks after
conception. Both males and females have two ridges of tissue (gonadal
ridges) from which the male and female sexual organs will develop. There
is a direct link between chromosomal sex and external genitalia and
internal genitalia, during prenatal development all individuals look the
same and genitalia looks externally feminine. Also a link between genes,
genitalia and hormones
Hormones:
Most gender development is governed by hormones, produced both
prenatally and in adolescence (puberty). Hormones influence the
development of genitalia and/or affect the development of the brain, both
of which influence gender behaviour
OESTROGEN – the primary female hormone, playing an important role in
the menstrual cycle/reproduction system
TESTOSTERONE – a hormone from the androgen group that is produced
mainly in the male testes (and in the female ovaries), associated with
aggression
CAH and AIS:
CAH – (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) a rare genetic disorder that causes
high prenatal levels of hormones such as testosterone, can affect males or
, females, can be more easily identified in newborn girls who may have
ambiguous genitals due to the masculinising effect of the male hormones
AIS – (androgen insensitivity
syndrome) a rare condition affecting
the development of a child’s genitals
and reproductive organs, genetically
male but body doesn’t respond to
testosterone, ambiguous genitals
(either female or male/female), most
are unable to have children, caused
by a genetic fault passed on by the
mother (does not have AIS herself but ¼ chance her children will)
Atypical sex chromosome patterns:
KLINEFELTER’S SYNDROME – XXY chromosomal structure, affects 1 in 750
males, biological males with male anatomy but an additional X
chromosome, 10% of cases identified prenatally but 68% go unnoticed
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS –
Reduced body hair
Some breast development at puberty (gynaecomastia)
Underdeveloped genitals
More susceptible to health problems that are usually associated with
females
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS –
Poorly developed language skills and reading ability
Passive, shy, lack of interest in sexual activity
Do not respond well in stressful situations
Problems with executive functions eg. problem solving
TURNER’S SYNDROME – X0 chromosomal structure, affects 1 in 5000
females, caused by absence of one of two X chromosomes (so 45
chromosomes in total)
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS –
No menstrual cycle as ovaries fail to develop, so sterile
Broad ‘shield’ chest and no developing breasts at puberty
Low set ears and ‘webbed’ neck
Hips not much bigger than waist
PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS –
2
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller galbraithsophie. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $10.92. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
67474 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now