ANP 220 Chapter 2: Ch. 2 Notes-Theoretical Approaches to Gender Development
Document Summary
Way to describe, explain, and predict relationships among phenomena. An approach to understand our lives, guide our attitudes and actions, and explain others" behaviors. Maintains that biological characteristics are the basis of gender differences. Focus on x and y chromosomes, hormones, and brain specialization. X chromosome carries most genetic information on intelligence, social skills, and certain hereditary conditions. Y chromosome smaller, evolving faster than other chromosomes. Mainly determines fertilized egg will develop into a male. Production of good cholesterol, more flexible blood vessels, strengthens immune system, fat tissue to form around hips, impeding liver function-leads to different processing of alcohol than men. Affect behavior-striving for power, wanting to influence/dominate others, physical expression of anger. Usually begins to decline starting at age 30. Hormones influence skills and tendencies we associate with gender. Both sexes use both lobes, but each sex tends to specialize in one. Controls linear thinking, sequential information, spatial skills, and abstract, analytical reasoning.
