Psychology 320: Psychology of Gender and Sex Differences September 11

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Psychology 320 Psychology of Gender and Sex
DifferencesSeptember 11 Lecture 4
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A little RR . (Review and Reflect)
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Introductory Concepts

1. What is gender? (continued)

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By the end of todays class, you should be able
to
1. generate examples of intersexuality and
gender variance.
2. discuss the causes, symptoms, and therapeutic
options for androgen insensitivity syndrome.
3. describe third genders in other cultures.
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What is gender? (continued)

• Examples of intersexuality (continued)

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• Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS)

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

• Develop male internal genitalia (e.g., testes
  due to Y chromosome), but female external
  genitalia (due to insensitivity to androgens).

• 1/65,000 1/13,000 live births.

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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
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The Muxe of Mexico
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The Faafafine of Samoa
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Introductory Concepts

1. What is gender? (continued)