SOC101Y1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: David Reimer, Compulsory Heterosexuality, Grammatical Gender
Document Summary
David reimer: penis accidentally burnt off in infancy, parents saw interview with dr. john maney. Most people distinguish on basis of biological sex: sex: depends on whether born with distinct male or female genitalia and a genetic program that releases either male or female hormones to stimulate reproductive development. At this point in conception, newly founded zygote has 46 chromosomes: if last chromosome has xx pattern=girl (xy=boy, 1/400 children born with unusual 46th chromosome. 6th-7th week of gestation, gonads begin to develop: testes, ovaries, distribute hormones that contribute to development of sex organs. Only sexual difference in brain=hypothalamus: female sensitive to oestrogen=menstrual cycle. Involves not just biology: masculine and feminine behaviour, attitudes, feelings, therefore biological sex must be distinguished from sociological gender. North american gender roles changed somewhat since 1960. Not conforming to roles can bring lots of stress: transgendered have this problem. When don"t identify with all traits of sex assigned at birth.
