...Gender Identity Ryan Boyd PSY/340 February 28, 2013 Felicia Martin Gender Identity Many people are curious to know what controls a human beings sexual orientation. There has been an ongoing debate about nature versus nurture and its connection to human sexual orientation. There are also other influences that have an effect on sexual differentiation and gender identity. This paper will explain the interaction between hormones and behavior, and how these interactions affect the determination of gender identity. The sexual behavior of humans are shaped and influenced by cultural factors that lead human sexuality to be expressed in various ways through many cultures historically. The biological factors in sexual differentiation are very important to the human because it allows a person to grasp and understand the complexities and problems that are involved in human sexual conditions. The premature stages of sexual differentiation after birth are influenced by environmental factors. Once the child advance from childhood and into young adulthood the influences of biological, environmental, and culture has an effect on sexual differentiation. According to Ault and Brzuzy (2009), gender identity is a multifaceted system of ideas surrounding masculinity and femininity, in terms of the roles prescribed to men and women by society, and how they relate to maleness and femaleness in relation to the self. Gender identity is presented through behavioral expressions of masculinity...
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...this occurred initially in children. Some Sociologists and Psychologists believe that this was due to biological factors, while other Sociologists and Psychologists believed that Sociology factors were the main influences that brought about the changes. Though the general belief in how and why this occurs is different, the great majority of Sociologists and Psychologists all believe that they are not born with the preconceived notion that they are homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual themselves; their sexual identity evolves slowly, over a period of time. In the earlier decades, the main concern about the biological basis of sexual orientation was initially brought up when British sexual liberators named Havelock Ellis and Edward Carpenter argued that laws against same-sex sexual activities should be dropped because people engaging in such activities were biologically different from those with opposite-sex partners: they called such people “inverts”. The use of the word “homosexual” as a noun designates a certain kind of person-rather that an adjective referring to specific activities- dates from that period. However, the creation of this new, presumably biological, typology did nothing to reduce prejudice and bigotry (Milt. F., 2013). Human behaviors like sexual orientation are experienced in complex and various ways. Both are agreeably influenced by biological and social factors. Through trying to define the basis...
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...Dameka Towner PSYC 340 07/29/13 The effects of Hormones and behavior on gender identity Gender development begins when a baby is conceived, which why most women want to know the sex of their child as soon as possible. Boys and girl are treated different from the day they are born, causing the environment- nurture to affect gender development. Although nurture has a major influence on gender development, biological factors-nature also play a major part in the effects of gender development. In this paper the discussion that will address is the interaction between hormones and behavior and how they affect gender identity, also how the argument of how nature and nurture is the main affect gender identity. Biological factors play a huge role in children’s growth development. For example, boys and girls develop with a significantly different sex organs, and they also become more different when the onset of puberty sets in. Puberty is when the chemical messenger called hormones start to help with the formation of appearance from the physical changes occurring inside the body of an adolescent. According to Oswalt & Dombeck (2013), some researchers introduced the thought of same sex hormones that make sex organs differentiation in the uterus, which later triggers puberty. Naturally, human bodies go through the stage of puberty, and hormones have a lot to do with the development of the individual body during the onset of puberty. Hormones are leading players in the body’s...
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...questions of whether humans inherently have racial bias and whether these automatic biological processes can be counteracted through social intervention. The purpose of this paper is to propose mechanisms of racial bias and demonstrate their operation in relation to personal identity at the biological, psychological, and social level. An individual’s perception of himself and others depends on the personal, relational, and the collective phenomenon of identity. An understanding of how identity operates as a mechanism of racial bias at the psychological...
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...Gender Identity Gender Identity Gender identity is a complex and multi-dimensional element of a person (Egan & Perry, 2001). Gender identity is the self – identification as male or female. Gender identity, however, is not the same as sexual orientation (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Both biological and environmental factors contribute to one’s gender identity. Many people have the assumption that there are male and female hormones that determine gender identity (Pinel, 2009). However, this is not the case. In this paper, I will discuss how hormones, as well as environment, affect one’s gender identity and behavior. Biological Factors and Sexual Differentiation The human body consists of many hormones. Among them are androgens, estrogens, and progestins. Androgens and estrogens are both the most common classes of gonadal hormones. A third class of gonadal hormones is progestins. The most common progestin is progesterone. Progesterone prepares the uterus and breasts for pregnancy in females; however it is unclear of its purpose in males (Pinel, 2009). Although it is widely assumed that androgens are “male” hormones and estrogens are “female” hormones. In actuality, men and women have the same hormones although at different levels. These hormones also do not perform the same functions in both sexes. Males and females are both exposed to high levels of estrogens during the fetal stage. However, males are exposed to high androgen levels during the same...
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...Gender Identity PSY 265 Kelly Bidstrup 11/18/12 Gender identity is a highly charged issue around the world. It is so here in the U.S. as well. A person has historically been termed male or female based solely on their physical sexuality. Their assigned sex is determined by the biological characteristics they possess at birth which define if a person is a “boy or girl”. Gender identity is largely termed a psychological rather than a biological issue, although biological factors do play a role in gender identity. As a general rule, gender identity is consistent with an individual’s chromosomal sex (Nevid, Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). However, gender identity does not lie in the body, but in the mind. This psychological realm makes it possible for a person’s physical sex to be inconsistent with their gender identity. An individual who is assigned the sex of male may not be psychologically able to relate to being a male. They may feel that their proper gender is more feminine instead of masculine. Their assigned sex is male, but their identity is female. A person’s biological gender can differ greatly from their gender identity. Gender roles are determined at the social, stereotypical level. Each culture establishes and maintains their version of what is normal and acceptable within that society. Gender identity can be affected by the way a person is nurtured during their early life. Parents and other caregivers generally pattern their own behavior...
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...Gender Identity Paper Rechelle Stevenson PSY/340 Annie Powers 4-27-2014 In the research paper the reader will learn the meaning of gender identity and how hormones and behavior interact with each other. Also how hormones and behavior affect the determination of gender identity. Included will be the roles of biological factors. This paper will determine which has greater influence on gender identity nature or nurture. Gender identity is the acceptance of ones membership into a certain group of people. How an individual perceives themselves male or female is considered gender identity. Hormones play a major role in a person’s life; it affects their sex in two ways. Hormones affect the development from the time a person is conceived until they have grown into sexual maturity. Sexual maturity of anatomical, physiological, and behavioral traits determine a person as a male or female by activating the reproduction related behavior of sexual mature adults. Endocrine glands main function is to release hormones (University of Phoenix, 2009). A biological factor has a big part in shaping physical development. Males and females are born with distinctive sexual organs, these differences emerge around puberty. Hormones are responsible for the appearance of these physical differences. Too much androgen plays a major part in a male or female. Boys that have an excess amount of androgens tend to be fine and behave normally. Girls on the other hand are a different story; they tend...
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...differences * Ethnicity * Race * Socioeconomic Race * Gender * Korosol increase stress * Cohort- group of people born at around the same time in the same place * Age graded influences- similar at particular age group * Sociocultural graded influences- social and cultural factors present at a particular time. * Modafin * Critical period- environmental stimuli are necessary for dev. * Sensitive Period- Certain kind of stimuli in environment. * Development is constructed thru biological, sociocultural, and individual factors working together. * Development is lifelong * Early adulthood is not the endpoint of development * No age perios dominates * Development is Multidimensional * Consist of biological, cognitive, and socioemotional dimensions * Multiple components within each dimension * Health and Well-Being * Parenting and Education * Sociocultural Contexts and Diversity * Culture: Behavior patterns, beliefs, and all other products of a particular group of people that are passed on from generation to generation * Ethnicity: Cultural heritage, nationality, race, religion, and language * Socioeconomic Status: a person’s position within society based on occupational, educational. * Gender:...
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...Gender Identity Paper Brandie Thurman PSY/340 May 25, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White There are many biological, psychological, and sociological factors involved in the formation of gender identity. Gender identity is not completely understood as it is much more complex than the joining of a sperm and an egg. For many people, the terms “gender” and “sex” are interchangeable. Biological sex and gender are different; gender is not inherently connected to one’s physical anatomy as biological sex is. When one thinks’ of the term “gender”, we are referring to the role and personalities one assumes within society, for example in American culture females tend to be perceived as more nurturing and males are aggressive and dominant. Hormones and behavior affect gender identity in significant ways each with a distinct purpose. To understand the difference of biological sex and gender, nature versus nurture, and how the environment has an effect this paper will review and explain the interactions between hormones and behaviors and how those interactions affect the determination of gender identity. Gender development starts at the point one is conceived. Gender identity is defined as an individual’s self conception of being either male or female, as distinguished from actual biological sex (Britannica, 2013). Gender differences exist in nearly every social phenomena and for most persons, gender identity and biological characteristics are the same however there are some circumstances...
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...Biological and Humanistic Approaches to Personality Paper By: LaTreena Alexander PSY/250 December 5, 2014 John Muench The biological approaches to personality are important elements needed in order to analyze each part of the process effectively. The information being presented uses Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to discuss the extent to which growth needs influence personality formation. The biological factors that influence the formation of personality are being described while the relationship of biological factors to Maslow’s theory of personality is being examined. The basic aspects of humanistic theory that are incompatible with biological explanations of personality are thoroughly explained within this informative paper. Through analyzing and researching Maslow’s hierarchy of needs one can get the full basic knowledge and understanding of how growth needs influence personality. Maslow made a pyramid known as the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs which was all based on two different groups made up of deficiency needs and growth needs. Within the deficiency needs there are lower needs that have to be attended to before moving on to higher needs, and once this happens a person can act to remove a deficiency in one is ever found in the future. The first four levels of needs are physiological such as hunger and thirst, safety and security, a sense of belongingness and love with others, and esteem to achieve specific goals or to gain approval for an achievement. According to...
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...Gender Identity When the word gender is brought up, the first thought that comes to mind is weither the person is male or female. This is not necessarily correct. The term sex is a biological term that refers to the physical differences between males and females. If sex is the term that encompasses male or female, then what exactly is gender? Gender is a psychological term that refers to the awareness and reaction to the biological term of sex. It also is a term that can construe more than one meaning. Gender is determined by biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Gender consists of three elements: gender role, gender identity, and sexual orientation or preference (Kenyon, 1994-2006). Gender role, is defined as the outward manifestations of personality that reflect the gender identity. Basically, it occurs when someone adopts the masculine or feminine behavioral traits that are associated with each sex. Gender role is manifested within society by observable factors such as behavior and appearance (Ghosh, 2009). Gender identity refers to a person’s personal sense of whether he or she are male or female (or rarely, both or neither). Gender identity, in nearly all instances, is self-identified, as a result of a combination of inherent and extrinsic or environmental factors (Ghosh, 2009). And sexual orientation or preference is whom a person is physically and sexually attracted to. In this paper the topics of discussion will be the interaction between hormones and...
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...Development of Sexual Identity Development of Sexual Identity This paper will discus the following things about sexual identity: development factors, such as biological sex, gender identity and roles, sexual orientation, and the relationship between these factors. One would have never assumed that sexuality would be a topic of great conversation and questions. Over time we have became a society made up from a melting pot not only of different ethnic groups but of sexual orientation. Sexual Identity Development Factors There are several factors that influence a person’s sexual identity. The first factor that affects sexual orientation is biological sex. Biological sex is determined by a person’s chromosomal make up along with hormones. Females are typically born with XX chromosomes and males are born with XY chromosomes. Although in some situations there can be a mutation of the Y chromosome, the SRY gene which is the sex determining portion of the Y chromosome can be missing in XY girls’ Y and is present in the XX boys’ X (Offner, 2010). Chromosomes alone cannot determine gender identity hormones also help in determining gender identity. The SRY gene codes on the Y chromosome cause the indifferent gonads to become testicle which then secrete testosterone which then causes the Wolffian duct system to develop which is the male structures (Offner, 2010). So as you can see together with the SRY gene and specific level of testosterone within an embryo...
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...Abstract There has been an ongoing debate over what affects gender identity more, nature or nurture. One’s gender is decided at the time of conception. Gender identity is defined as a personal belief of what it means to be a boy or a girl (Ghosh, 2013). As children grow and develop they are exposed to ideas, attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs that aid in the development of their sense of self (Witt, 1997). It is impossible for a child to grow to adulthood without experiencing some form of gender bias, such as boys should not wear pink and girls should not play sports. The gender stereotypes they experience at home is reinforced by additional ones they are exposed to in school and from friends (Witt, 1997). Most times children will develop a gender identity that matches his or her genitalia but sometimes this is not the case. So the question remains, what affects an individual’s gender identity more, nature or nurture? Gender Identity Gender identity is defined as a “complex system of beliefs about the subjective self in relation to masculinity and femininity” (Ault & Brzuzy, 2009, p. 187). Gender roles, maleness, and femaleness, have been argued to be a factor of environmental influences, the nurture aspect of child development, and nature, the biological aspect. “Gender identity presents itself in how people outwardly express masculinity and femininity in everyday life and how others respond to this expression” (Ault & Brzuzy, 2009, p. 187)...
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...Gender Identity According to the dictionary gender identity is “a person’s inner sense of being male or female, usually developed during early childhood as a result of parental practices and societal influences and strengthened during puberty by hormonal changes” (Dictionary.com 2013) The Encyclopedia Britannica states the gender identity is not fixed at birth. It is the combination of social and physiologic factors that contribute identity and then it is “modified and expanded by social factors as the child grows and matures.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2013) There are many factors that can determine gender identity, such as nature, biological, social and environmental. According to chapter six, “Gender identity is almost always consistent with chromosomal sex, but such consistency does not certify that gender identity is biologically determined.” (Rathus, Nevid, and Fichner-Rathus, Pg. 168) Biological views tend to focus on which genetics, brain structure or hormone is linked to behavior patterns. It has been researched that there are both male and female whom have been born with “congenital adrenal hyperplasia.” This condition will cause higher androgen hormone levels that those of their peers. For the females born with this condition, they act and display more masculine traits. Studies have shown that social environments and child rearing will also impact the development of gender identities. One would argue that a child’s behaviors, interests and self-concept...
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...Hormones, Behavior, and Gender Identity Psy 340 Hormones, Behavior, and Gender Identity Often enough, parents of an unburned child are eagerly excited to find out the sex of the couple’s child to enable planning such as a fitted name, nursery décor, and every extra-curricular and career aspirations. It is from that point forward nature and nurture work together hand in hand to create the child into society’s ideal male or female. Different changes occur, such as biologically, psychologically, and emotionally, depending of the gender of the baby; however, social situations and upbringing will not only be exposed according to the sex, but also the individual child. Certain times, the gender and the sex of an individual do not coordinate with one another. This uncertainty has caused and is currently causing misunderstandings to numerous psychologists, neuroscientists and parents. The origin of the development of gender begins at conception, and the point creates a separation between the male and female gender roles. This paper will discuss interactions between hormones and behaviors, as well as, how the interactions affect the determination of gender identity. Biological psychology takes into consideration the gender from different perspectives of the functions coming from different sexual organs and the underlying physiology (Wickens, 2005). Biological and environmental factor will also be explored, as well as, the influence of nature versus nurture in an individual’s...
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