AQA - Option 1- Topic 10:
Gender
Learning Outcomes
1. The role of chromosomes and hormones (testosterone, oestrogen and
oxytocin) in biological sex. Diversity in sex development, including
androgen insensitivity syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome and Turner
syndrome.
2. Gender identities, including binary, non-binary and gender fluid. How
gender has been measured using the Bem Sex Role Inventory.
3. Biological explanations of gender development, including chromosomes
and hormones.
4. Cognitive explanations of gender development, Kohlberg's theory, gender
identity, gender stability and gender constancy; Martin and Halverson's
gender schema theory.
5. Social learning theory as applied to gender development. The influence of
culture and media on gender roles.
6. Gender incongruence: biological and social/cultural explanations.
1.) The Role of Chromosomes and
Hormones in Biological Sex
Chromosomes
Definition: Thread-like structures of DNA containing genes → code for
proteins & hormones.
Human cell: 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 1
, Autosomes: first 22 pairs.
Sex chromosomes: 23rd pair → determines biological sex.
Female genotype: XX.
Male genotype: XY.
Y chromosome:
Contains SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene.
Produces Testis Determining Factor (TDF) → triggers gonadal
development into testes.
Testes secrete androgens (esp. testosterone) → development of male
reproductive organs.
Hormones
Testosterone
Primary male sex hormone.
Secreted mainly from testes (smaller amount from adrenal glands).
Organises development of male reproductive organs before birth.
Activates secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
Linked to ↑ spatial ability and ↑ aggression.
Evolutionary function: aggression aids mate-guarding, resource
protection, competition with rivals.
Evidence:
Dabbs et al. (1995): Prison inmates with higher testosterone more
likely to have committed violent/sexually aggressive crimes.Dabbs et
al. (1995): Prison inmates with higher testosterone more likely to have
committed violent/sexually aggressive crimes.
Animal studies: Castration reduces aggression; testosterone injections
restore aggression (but Van de Pol et al. found opposite effect in some
birds, showing species differences).Animal studies: Castration
reduces aggression; testosterone injections restore aggression (but
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 2
, Van de Pol et al. found opposite effect in some birds, showing species
differences).
Oestrogen
Primary female sex hormone.
Triggers development of female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus,
fallopian tubes).
Regulates menstrual cycle via feedback with pituitary hormones.
Linked to emotionality and irritability during menstruation → labelled as
PMS.
Influences female brain structure (↑ sensitivity in hippocampus &
amygdala).
Oxytocin
Produced by hypothalamus, released by pituitary gland.
Triggers uterine contractions during labour & milk let-down during
breastfeeding.
High levels after birth promote bonding & affiliation (↓ cortisol = reduced
stress).
Higher baseline levels in females (linked to nurturing behaviours).
Associated with trust, empathy, and intimacy.
(a) Turner's Syndrome (XO)
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 3
, Definition
Missing second sex chromosome → only one X chromosome (monosomy).
Genotype = XO.
Occurs in ~1 in 2,000 female births.
Physical Characteristics
No ovaries → infertile.
Do not menstruate at puberty.
No breast development at puberty.
Short stature.
Webbed neck.
Low-set ears.
Shield-shaped chest.
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 4
Gender
Learning Outcomes
1. The role of chromosomes and hormones (testosterone, oestrogen and
oxytocin) in biological sex. Diversity in sex development, including
androgen insensitivity syndrome, Klinefelter's syndrome and Turner
syndrome.
2. Gender identities, including binary, non-binary and gender fluid. How
gender has been measured using the Bem Sex Role Inventory.
3. Biological explanations of gender development, including chromosomes
and hormones.
4. Cognitive explanations of gender development, Kohlberg's theory, gender
identity, gender stability and gender constancy; Martin and Halverson's
gender schema theory.
5. Social learning theory as applied to gender development. The influence of
culture and media on gender roles.
6. Gender incongruence: biological and social/cultural explanations.
1.) The Role of Chromosomes and
Hormones in Biological Sex
Chromosomes
Definition: Thread-like structures of DNA containing genes → code for
proteins & hormones.
Human cell: 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 1
, Autosomes: first 22 pairs.
Sex chromosomes: 23rd pair → determines biological sex.
Female genotype: XX.
Male genotype: XY.
Y chromosome:
Contains SRY (Sex-determining Region Y) gene.
Produces Testis Determining Factor (TDF) → triggers gonadal
development into testes.
Testes secrete androgens (esp. testosterone) → development of male
reproductive organs.
Hormones
Testosterone
Primary male sex hormone.
Secreted mainly from testes (smaller amount from adrenal glands).
Organises development of male reproductive organs before birth.
Activates secondary sexual characteristics during puberty.
Linked to ↑ spatial ability and ↑ aggression.
Evolutionary function: aggression aids mate-guarding, resource
protection, competition with rivals.
Evidence:
Dabbs et al. (1995): Prison inmates with higher testosterone more
likely to have committed violent/sexually aggressive crimes.Dabbs et
al. (1995): Prison inmates with higher testosterone more likely to have
committed violent/sexually aggressive crimes.
Animal studies: Castration reduces aggression; testosterone injections
restore aggression (but Van de Pol et al. found opposite effect in some
birds, showing species differences).Animal studies: Castration
reduces aggression; testosterone injections restore aggression (but
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 2
, Van de Pol et al. found opposite effect in some birds, showing species
differences).
Oestrogen
Primary female sex hormone.
Triggers development of female reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus,
fallopian tubes).
Regulates menstrual cycle via feedback with pituitary hormones.
Linked to emotionality and irritability during menstruation → labelled as
PMS.
Influences female brain structure (↑ sensitivity in hippocampus &
amygdala).
Oxytocin
Produced by hypothalamus, released by pituitary gland.
Triggers uterine contractions during labour & milk let-down during
breastfeeding.
High levels after birth promote bonding & affiliation (↓ cortisol = reduced
stress).
Higher baseline levels in females (linked to nurturing behaviours).
Associated with trust, empathy, and intimacy.
(a) Turner's Syndrome (XO)
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 3
, Definition
Missing second sex chromosome → only one X chromosome (monosomy).
Genotype = XO.
Occurs in ~1 in 2,000 female births.
Physical Characteristics
No ovaries → infertile.
Do not menstruate at puberty.
No breast development at puberty.
Short stature.
Webbed neck.
Low-set ears.
Shield-shaped chest.
AQA - Option 1- Topic 10: Gender 4
