“Outline and evaluate the role of genes and hormones
in gender development”
A01 –
GENES
Every person has chromosomes, which contain genes, which determine
physical (e.g. eye colour) and behavioural (e.g. predisposition to particular
mental illnesses) characteristics
One particular set of chromosomes (the sex chromosomes) determine an
individual’s sex
Genes are important in gender development because there’s usually a
direct link between an individual’s chromosomal sex and their external
genitalia and internal genitalia
Genes explain how individuals acquire their sex
Genes may also explain some aspects of gender (person’s sense of
whether they are male/female) because of the link between genes and
genitalia and hormones.
HORMONES
Also important in gender development because although chromosomes
initially determine a persons sex, most gender development is governed
by hormones
Hormones are produced prenatally while we are in our mother womb (e.g.
when foetus produces testosterone which causes external male genitalia
to develop) and in adolescence (surge of hormones during puberty lead to
secondary sexual characteristics)
Hormones can influence development of genitalia and brain – both of
which influence gender behaviour
Abnormal hormone levels can affect gender development (e.g. if male is
exposed to too little testosterone they may appear to be externally
female, if females exposed to too much testosterone they male appear to
be externally male)
Hormones can also affect development of brain – research shown female
brains are physically different from male brains
A02 –
RESEARCH 1 – David Reimer case study
POINT – supports role of genes and hormones in gender development
EVIDENCE – as a baby he was sent for a circumcision which was botched and
resulted in his penis being burnt off. Dr Money (who claimed biological sex was
not the main factor in gender development and argued intersex individuals could
be successfully raised as either a boy or girl) convinced David’s parents that he
should have his remaining external genitalia removed and be raised as a girl.
However, later on in life it became apparent to David that he did not feel female
and after his parents told him the truth he decided to revert back to being male.
EXPLAIN – this case study supports the role of genes and hormones in gender
development because it demonstrates how biological factors overrode social
influences.
EVALUATE – weakness – case study so an in-depth investigation of only one
individual – results can’t be generalised to others beyond the study – limiting
support of research
in gender development”
A01 –
GENES
Every person has chromosomes, which contain genes, which determine
physical (e.g. eye colour) and behavioural (e.g. predisposition to particular
mental illnesses) characteristics
One particular set of chromosomes (the sex chromosomes) determine an
individual’s sex
Genes are important in gender development because there’s usually a
direct link between an individual’s chromosomal sex and their external
genitalia and internal genitalia
Genes explain how individuals acquire their sex
Genes may also explain some aspects of gender (person’s sense of
whether they are male/female) because of the link between genes and
genitalia and hormones.
HORMONES
Also important in gender development because although chromosomes
initially determine a persons sex, most gender development is governed
by hormones
Hormones are produced prenatally while we are in our mother womb (e.g.
when foetus produces testosterone which causes external male genitalia
to develop) and in adolescence (surge of hormones during puberty lead to
secondary sexual characteristics)
Hormones can influence development of genitalia and brain – both of
which influence gender behaviour
Abnormal hormone levels can affect gender development (e.g. if male is
exposed to too little testosterone they may appear to be externally
female, if females exposed to too much testosterone they male appear to
be externally male)
Hormones can also affect development of brain – research shown female
brains are physically different from male brains
A02 –
RESEARCH 1 – David Reimer case study
POINT – supports role of genes and hormones in gender development
EVIDENCE – as a baby he was sent for a circumcision which was botched and
resulted in his penis being burnt off. Dr Money (who claimed biological sex was
not the main factor in gender development and argued intersex individuals could
be successfully raised as either a boy or girl) convinced David’s parents that he
should have his remaining external genitalia removed and be raised as a girl.
However, later on in life it became apparent to David that he did not feel female
and after his parents told him the truth he decided to revert back to being male.
EXPLAIN – this case study supports the role of genes and hormones in gender
development because it demonstrates how biological factors overrode social
influences.
EVALUATE – weakness – case study so an in-depth investigation of only one
individual – results can’t be generalised to others beyond the study – limiting
support of research
