,Sex and gender
Sex: The biological differences between males and females, including
chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. This is determined by the pair
of sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). It is
innate and a result of nature.
Gender: The psychological and cultural differences between males
and females including attitudes, behaviours and social roles. It is
environmentally determined and a result of nurture.
Therefore, sex is innate and cannot be changed, where as gender is
open to change. A person may become ‘more masculine’ or more
‘more feminine’ depending on the social context they are in.
Gender dysphoria
The majority of biological males tend to ‘feel’ masculine and
readily identify themselves as such.
However, some people experience gender dysphoria when
their biologically prescribed sex does not reflect the way
they feel inside.
Such individuals may choose to have gender reassignment
surgery in order to bring their sexual identity in line with
their gender identity.
Is it as simple as male or female?
Some children are exposed to hormonal
imbalances in the womb which mean that their
genitals appear neither obviously male nor
female at birth.
Such children are known as intersex and their
parents are often encouraged to opt for
surgery to make the child's sex clear so they
can be classified as a boy or a girl.
,Sex-role stereotypes
These are a set of shared expectations that people
within society or culture hold about what is acceptable
or usual behaviour for males and females.
They are reinforced by parents, peers, the media and
other institutions.
, What are chromosomes?
• Chromosomes are made from DNA
• Genes are short sections of DNA
• Genes determine characteristics
• 46 chromosomes in humans (23 pairs)
23rd pair determines biological sex:
Female - XX Male - XY
What are hormones?
• Chemical messengers
• Affect target organs
• Circulate bloodstream
Gender development comes about through the
influence of hormones. At puberty, a burst of
hormonal activity trigger the development of
secondary sexual characteristics.
Androgens are a key group of hormones in male
development e.g. testosterone.
Sex: The biological differences between males and females, including
chromosomes, hormones and anatomy. This is determined by the pair
of sex chromosomes (XX for females and XY for males). It is
innate and a result of nature.
Gender: The psychological and cultural differences between males
and females including attitudes, behaviours and social roles. It is
environmentally determined and a result of nurture.
Therefore, sex is innate and cannot be changed, where as gender is
open to change. A person may become ‘more masculine’ or more
‘more feminine’ depending on the social context they are in.
Gender dysphoria
The majority of biological males tend to ‘feel’ masculine and
readily identify themselves as such.
However, some people experience gender dysphoria when
their biologically prescribed sex does not reflect the way
they feel inside.
Such individuals may choose to have gender reassignment
surgery in order to bring their sexual identity in line with
their gender identity.
Is it as simple as male or female?
Some children are exposed to hormonal
imbalances in the womb which mean that their
genitals appear neither obviously male nor
female at birth.
Such children are known as intersex and their
parents are often encouraged to opt for
surgery to make the child's sex clear so they
can be classified as a boy or a girl.
,Sex-role stereotypes
These are a set of shared expectations that people
within society or culture hold about what is acceptable
or usual behaviour for males and females.
They are reinforced by parents, peers, the media and
other institutions.
, What are chromosomes?
• Chromosomes are made from DNA
• Genes are short sections of DNA
• Genes determine characteristics
• 46 chromosomes in humans (23 pairs)
23rd pair determines biological sex:
Female - XX Male - XY
What are hormones?
• Chemical messengers
• Affect target organs
• Circulate bloodstream
Gender development comes about through the
influence of hormones. At puberty, a burst of
hormonal activity trigger the development of
secondary sexual characteristics.
Androgens are a key group of hormones in male
development e.g. testosterone.
