Gender and Sexuality. Chapter 4 6/30/2010. Gender Development. Gender Differences in Aggression

Transcription

1 Gender and Sexuality Chapter 4 Gender Development Based on genetic makeup, males and females are alike, since the majority of our inherited genes (45 chromosomes are unisex) are similar. Males and females differ biologically in body fat, muscle, height, onset of puberty, and life expectancy. Gender Differences in Aggression Men express themselves and behave in more aggressive ways than do women. This aggression gender gap appears in many cultures and at various ages. In males, the nature of this aggression is physical. 1

2 Gender and Social Power In most societies, men are socially dominant and are perceived as such. IPU (2010), BLS (2008) Women: 19% of legislators, 2.5% Fortune 500/1000, 28 leaders currently in power worldwide Gender Differences and Connectedness Young and old, women form more connections (friendships) with people than do men. Men emphasize freedom and self-reliance. Dex Image/ Getty Images Oliver Eltinger/ Zefa/ Corbis Biology of Sex Biological sex is determined by the twenty-third pair of chromosomes. If the pair is XX, a female is produced. If the pair is XY, a male child is produced. 2

3 Sexual Differentiation In the mother s womb, the male fetus is exposed to testosterone (because of the Y chromosome), which leads to the development of male genitalia. If low levels of testosterone are released in the uterus, the result is a female. Sexual Differentiation Sexual differentiation is not only biological, but also psychological and social. However, genes and hormones play a very important role in defining gender, especially in altering the brain and influencing gender differences as a result. Gender Roles Our culture shapes our gender roles expectations of how men and women are supposed to behave. Gender Identity means how a person views himself or herself in terms of gender. 3

4 Gender Roles: Theories 1. Social Learning Theory proposes that we learn gender behavior like any other behavior reinforcement, punishment, and observation. 2. Gender Schema Theory suggests that we learn a cultural recipe of how to be a male or a female, which influences our genderbased perceptions and behaviors. The Physiology of Sex Masters and Johnson (1966) describe the human sexual response cycle as consisting of four phases: Phase Excitement Plateau Orgasm Resolution Physiological Response Genitals become engorged with blood. Vagina expands secretes lubricant. Penis enlarges. Excitement peaks such as breathing, pulse and blood pressure. Contractions all over the body. Increase in breathing, pulse & blood pressure. Sexual release. Engorged genital release blood. Male goes through refractory phase. Women resolve slower. Hormones and Sexual Behavior Sex hormones effect the development of sexual characteristics and (especially in animals) activate sexual behavior. Male Female Testes Ovaries Adrenals Testosterone (Small amounts of estrogen) Estrogen (Small amounts of testosterone) 4

5 Estrogen Female animals in heat express peak levels of estrogen. Female receptivity may be heightened with estrogen injections. Sex hormones may have milder affects on humans than on animals. Women are more likely to have sex when close to ovulation (increased testosterone), and men show increased testosterone levels when socializing with women. Testosterone Levels of testosterone remain relatively constant in males, so it is difficult to manipulate and activate sexual behavior. Castration, which reduces testosterone levels, lowers sexual interest. Sexual Problems Men generally suffer from two kinds of sexual problems: premature ejaculation and erectile disorder. Women may suffer from orgasmic disorders. These problems are not due to personality disorders and can be treated through behavior therapy and drugs such as Viagra. 5

6 Sotographs/The Gamma-Liaison Network/ Getty Images 6/30/2010 The Psychology of Sex Hunger responds to a need. If we do not eat, we die. In that sense, sex is not a need because if we do not have sex, we do not die. External Stimuli It is common knowledge that men become sexually aroused when browsing through erotic material. However, women experience similar heightened arousal under controlled conditions. Imagined Stimuli Our imagination in our brain can influence sexual arousal and desire. People with spinal cord injuries and no genital sensation can still feel sexual desire. 6

7 Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation refers to a person s preference for emotional and sexual relationships with individuals of the same sex, the other sex, and/or either sex. Homosexual Heterosexual Bisexual Sexual Orientation Statistics In Europe and America, based on many national surveys, homosexuality in men is 3-4% and in women is 1-2%. As members of a minority, homosexuals often struggle with their sexual orientation. Origins of Sexual Orientation Homosexuality is more likely based on biological factors like differing brain centers, genetics, and parental hormone exposure rather than environmental factors. Homosexual parents Cynthia Johnson/ Time magazine 7

8 Animal Homosexuality A number of animal species are devoted to same-sex partners, suggesting that homosexuality exists in the animal world. Wendell and Cass David Hecker/ AFP/ Getty Images Genes & Sexual Orientation A number of reasons suggest that homosexuality may be due to genetic factors. 1. Family: Homosexuality seems to run in families. 2. Twin studies: Homosexuality is more common in identical twins than fraternal twins. However, there are mixed results. 3. Fruit flies: Genetic engineers can genetically manipulate females to act like males during courtship and males to act like females. Sexual Orientation: Biology 8

9 Gender Differences in Sexuality Males and females, to a large extent, behave and think similarly. Differences in sexes arise in regards to reproductive behaviors. Question (summarized) Male Female Casual sex 58% 34% Sex for affection 25% 48% Think about sex everyday 54% 19% Natural Selection & Mating Preferences Natural selection has caused males to send their genes into the future by mating with multiple females since males have lower costs involved. However, females select one mature and caring male because of the higher costs involved with pregnancy and nursing. Mating Preferences Males look for youthful appearing females in order to pass their genes into the future. Females, on the other hand, look for maturity, dominance, affluence, and boldness in males. Data based on 37 cultures. 9

10 Gender, Sexuality, & Nature- Nurture Interaction Nature and nurture interact in the development of our gender-related traits and our mating behaviors 10