Gender and Society Week 4

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Questions and Answers

What primarily determines a child's gender identity during prenatal development?

Parental authority

Cognitive development

Social interactions

Genetic factors (correct)

At what age do children typically first express their gender identity?

Birth

2 years old (correct)

3 years old

1 year old

How do parents often respond when they learn the biological sex of their child?

They focus solely on social factors.

They ignore it completely.

They may alter their planning and reactions. (correct)

They consult medical professionals exclusively.

Which hormone is primarily responsible for masculinizing effects in development?

Androgen Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain is primarily involved in sexual development and differentiation?

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

When do children typically begin to show a preference for same-sex playmates?

By 3-4 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is gender role primarily reflected through in society?

Observable behavior and appearance Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by gender constancy?

Understanding that one's gender is fixed and does not change Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Turner syndrome?

Absence of one sex chromosome Signup and view all the answers

How does Klinefelter syndrome affect fetal development?

Fetal development is that of a normal male Signup and view all the answers

What is a common psychological impact faced by individuals with Turner syndrome?

Significant psychologic stress due to infertility Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in XX female fetuses?

Virilization of female genitalia Signup and view all the answers

What impacts can the presence of an extra Y chromosome have?

Links to aggressive or anti-social behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does mosaicism of sex chromosomes refer to?

A genetic condition with varying karyotypes in different cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used for individuals with anatomically intersexed conditions?

Hermaphrodites Signup and view all the answers

What causes mosaicism in sex chromosomes?

Errors in cell division during early development Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk associated with undescended testes?

Increased chance of becoming cancerous Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is commonly associated with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome?

Sparse or absent hair in the pubic area Signup and view all the answers

What genetic inheritance pattern does complete androgen insensitivity syndrome follow?

X-linked Signup and view all the answers

At what incidence is alpha-reductase deficiency observed in North America?

1:40,000 Signup and view all the answers

What change typically occurs in individuals with alpha-reductase deficiency at puberty?

Growth of the phallus due to testosterone surge Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of micropenis?

Extremely small size of the male genitals Signup and view all the answers

Cloacal exstrophy is associated with which of the following conditions?

Incomplete development of urogenital structures Signup and view all the answers

How can cryptorchidism affect gender development?

May contribute to a male gender identity being questioned Signup and view all the answers

What factor strongly contributes to the distress experienced by many children with gender incongruence?

Current societal intolerance of cross-gender behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is often tolerated or even celebrated within some families?

Tomboyish behavior in girls Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence associated with gender identity disorders in childhood?

Higher incidence of physical or sexual abuse Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to describe behaviors that are at odds with a child's sex as they manifest gender identity?

Gender-variant behavior Signup and view all the answers

What has been associated with a significantly higher incidence of suicide?

Transsexualism Signup and view all the answers

Which approach to treating cross-gendered children is mentioned as being offered by some psychologists?

Behavioral treatment Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about babies regarding gender identity?

They are born with an underlying sense of gender identity Signup and view all the answers

What ongoing debate is highlighted regarding gender assignment?

The need for individualized counseling until guidelines are established Signup and view all the answers

What is female genital mutilation primarily classified as?

A ritualistic tradition involving alterations to the female genitalia Signup and view all the answers

What describes the ‘hajra’ of India?

Eunuchs who are reared as neither male nor female Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of chemical castration?

To deactivate the testes using pharmaceutical drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes individuals whose sexual identity is altered to match their gender identity?

Transsexuals Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes cross-dressing from gender dysphoria?

Cross-dressing is classified as a fetish or gender-variant behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by someone identifying as transgender?

They do not conform to the traditional gender binary. Signup and view all the answers

What does gender dysphoria manifest as in adolescents and adults?

Pursuit of hormonal and surgical sex reassignment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about cross-dressing among children?

It is simply a phase with no specific diagnosis associated. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gender Identity and Development

Gender identity is self-defined, shaped by both biological and environmental influences.
Gender roles are observable through behavior and appearance within societal contexts.

Development Patterns of Gender Identity

Prenatal Influences: Gender development begins in the womb.
Early Gender Development: Knowledge of a baby's sex often influences parental expectations and behaviors.
Gender Constancy: By age 2, children generally can differentiate between genders, expressing initial gender identity.
Continuing Gender Development: Gender identity is reinforced through social interactions and play preferences, typically favoring same-sex playmates by ages 3-4.

Unusual Patterns of Gender Identity Development

Genetic and Hormonal Influences:
- Male and female sex hormones (androgens, estrogens, progestins) are found in both sexes and influence gender features.
- The hypothalamus regulates hormonal distribution, crucial for sexual differentiation.
- Testosterone production contributes to male physical traits.
Chromosomal Alterations:
- Turner Syndrome: Characterized by a missing sex chromosome (XO), impacting physical and psychological well-being.
- Klinefelter Syndrome: Presence of an extra X chromosome (XXY) results in male development but can affect gender identity.
- XYY Syndrome: Associated with increased aggression but does not solely dictate behavior.
- Mosaicism: Variations in sex chromosomes (e.g., XX/XY) can lead to intersex characteristics, creating complex gender identities.

Intersex Conditions

Hermaphroditism: Individuals might identify as both genders or a unique third gender.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): High cortisol levels during fetal development can lead to virilization in genetic females, leading to misassigned gender at birth.
Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: Affects 2-5 in 100,000 males, often requiring complex individualized treatment.
Alpha-reductase Deficiency: Infants may be raised as females but develop male characteristics at puberty, highlighting fluidity in gender identity.
Genital Abnormalities: Conditions like micropenis, cloacal exstrophy, and cryptorchidism raise questions of gender identity and assignment.

Gender Identity Disorders

Gender Dysphoria: Marked by a disconnect between assigned sex and gender identity, prevalent in both children and adults.
Transgenderism: Involves individuals adopting roles that align with their gender identity rather than their biological sex.
Distinctions are made between cross-dressing, which may not indicate gender dysphoria, and transsexualism that seeks physical congruence with gender identity.

Societal Implications

Nonconformity in gender identity can lead to severe distress and social stigma, with boys typically facing more challenges than girls.
Intersection of gender identity disorders with increased risks of abuse, societal rejection, and mental health issues, including suicide.
The importance of personalized counseling and support for families navigating gender identity issues is emphasized.

Summary of Gender Development in Children

Babies possess an innate sense of gender identity, which is influenced by environmental aspects as they grow.
Ongoing debates about gender assignment and reassignment highlight the need for personalized approaches to treatment and guidance.
Continued research is essential for a clearer understanding of gender identity's biological, social, and psychological dimensions.

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Description

Explore the complex interplay between medical and social constructs of gender in this Week 4 quiz. Students will engage in creating an artistic collage that reflects their gender identity, and will research a specific case related to gender genetics. This quiz encourages critical thinking about the influences of biology and societal norms on individual identity.