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Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences

Lecture 3

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Introduction

1. What is gender? (continued)

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By the end of today’s class, you should be able to:

1. generate examples of intersexuality and gender variance.

2. discuss the causes, symptoms, and therapeutic options for Turner’s syndrome and Androgen Insensitivity syndrome.

3. describe third genders identified in other cultures.

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• Examples of intersexuality:

What is gender? (continued)

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• Results from a missing or damaged X chromosome (XO) in females.

Turner’s Syndrome

• Individuals with Turner’s syndrome develop female external genitalia, but do not develop functional

ovaries.

• Incidence: 1/2500 – 1/5000 live births.

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• Symptoms:

Short statureWebbed neckLymphedemaShield shaped chest Widely-spaced nipples Low hairline Atypical ears Cubitus valgus

Increased weightReproductive sterilityAmenorrheaPoor breast development Horseshoe kidneyVisual impairments Cardiovascular malformationsSpatial perception deficits

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Webbed neck

Shield-shaped chest

Widespread nipples

Atypical ears

An Infant with Turner’s Syndrome

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A Child with Turner’s Syndrome

A = Webbed neck

B = Cubitis valgus

C = Lymphedema

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An Adult with Turner’s Syndrome

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• Therapeutic options: Growth hormone, estrogen replacement therapy.

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• Occurs among XY individuals whose cells are insensitive to androgens.

• Due to the presence of a Y chromosome, androgen-secreting testes develop in the fetus; however, the body does not respond to these androgens.

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

• As a result, external genitalia appear female.

• Prevalence: 1/13,000 – 1/65,000

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• Symptoms:

AmenorrheaReproductive sterilityUndescended testes Shortened vaginaLittle or no body hair

• Tend to exceed societal standards of beauty for females.

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Adults with AIS

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• Therapeutic options: Masculinizing hormones are ineffective; vaginoplasty may be performed.

Most individuals with AIS report satisfaction with a female gender identity.

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• Examples of gender variance:

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The “Two-Spirit” of the First Nations

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The “Hijras” of India

19The “Muxe” of Mexico

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The Fa’afafine of Samoa

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Introduction

1. What is gender? (continued)