P SYA3:Gender Biosocial Theory Outline the Biosocial Approach (A01). Look at key studies that can be used to evaluate the Biosocial Approach (A02) Look at how these studies can be evaluated (A02)

Gender behaviours?

Gender behaviours Biologica l Physical Social Both Think of as many masculine and feminine behaviours. Then For each gender role, decide whether it could be caused by biological (physical) factors, social factors or both.

The Biosocial approach says it’s both! Gender is caused by both biological and social factors. Gender cannot be explained by biological or social factors alone. Biological Social Both

Biosocial Theory: Money & Ehrhardt (1972) A new born is labelled as male or female due to its sex This labelling causes the child to be perceived and treated in certain ways by adults Biological sex will only lead to gender consistent behaviour if the child experiences the ‘right rearing’. If a genetic male is mislabelled as a girl and treated as a girl before the age of three, he is likely to acquire the gender identity of a girl. The label is vital! The key proposal here was that the environmental and social factors were able to override the biological sex at birth.

Task: Biosocial Studies Read and highlight the two studies in front of you. 1)Discuss with the person next to you whether each one supports or refutes biosocial theory and why? 2)Evaluate each study in terms of methodological issues.

More support for the biosocial theory Disorders of sex development (DSDs). This is a condition where the reproductive organs and genitals do not develop normally. CAH XX- but genitals more male like Studies following XX females with CAH reared as boys developed a male gender identity – They have more male hormone! Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). They lack a particular enzyme (protein) that their body needs to make hormones called cortisol and aldosterone. Without these, the body produces more androgens (male sex hormones).

Support Money reported on 250 cases of people being happy with their gender reassignment. Biology alone does not cause gender, gender rearing is more important! It overrides the higher levels of male hormone!!

BUT… DSD patients with contradictory results: Reiner & Gearhart reported on 14 biological males born without a fully developed penis and raised as females All showed male tendencies; 8 became male again by the age of 16.

1.How does David Reimer refute the biosocial explanation of gender? Explain your answer.

Task 1. Read the sample answer. 2. Underline where he has linked back to the question- biosocial approach. Write TMB in the margin! 3. Adapt the answer to suit you- remove information that you don’t want and add information we have looked at in class e.g CAH or Smith & Lloyd 4. Write a plan to suit you AO1 1 side AO2/3 4 Burger Paragraphs PAO1 EEvidence: Outline the research AO2 Language EExplain how it supports the theory EEvaluate the research LLink: Why does this matter…

Condry & Condry (1976) 200 male and female adults were shown a video of a child interacting with a series of toys, including a jack in the box. For half the participants the child was introduced as David (male) and for the other half the child was introduced as Dana (female). When the child played with the jack in the box there was some upset. When participants thought the child was female they described her reaction as fearful. When they thought the child was male, they said he was angry. Gender labels lead to different interpretations/treatment of behaviour.

Buss (Re-Examined by Eagly & Wood, 1999) Buss found evidence that women seek powerful men with resources and men seek young attractive women in 37 cultures. This was used as support for evolutionary theory. BUT Eagly and Wood re-examined the data and argued that it also supports sex differences as caused by differences in social roles. Women have a lesser earning capacity in society and inevitably seek men with financial power. Men seen younger women because they are obedient.

Timed exam question Discuss social influences on gender role (24)