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AQA A Level Gender Revision Notes
AQA A Level Gender Revision Notes
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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 –
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