Gender identity is a complex and multi-dimensional element of a
person (Egan & Perry, 2001). Gender identity is the self – identification
as male or female. Gender identity, however, is not the same as sexual
orientation (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Both biological and environmental
factors contribute to one’s gender identity. Many people have the assumption
that there are male and female hormones that determine gender identity (Pinel,
2009). However, this is not the case. In this paper, I will discuss how
hormones, as well as environment, affect one’s gender identity and behavior.
Biological Factors and Sexual
Differentiation
The human body consists of many hormones. Among them are
androgens, estrogens, and progestins. Androgens and estrogens are both the most
common classes of gonadal hormones. A third class of gonadal hormones is
progestins. The most common progestin is progesterone. Progesterone prepares
the uterus and breasts for pregnancy in females; however it is unclear of its
purpose in males (Pinel, 2009). Although it is widely assumed that androgens
are “male” hormones and estrogens are “female” hormones. In actuality, men and
women have the same hormones although at different levels. These hormones also
do not perform the same functions in both sexes.
Males and females are both exposed to high levels of estrogens
during the fetal stage. However, males are exposed to high androgen levels
during the same period (Swabb, 2004). Studies on female humans show that an
early exposure to male hormones can result in more masculine behaviors. In
studies of men with low testosterone levels, it was discovered that they had
female – like behavior patterns. In an animal study, male rats were castrated
(Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Castration
reduced the production of testosterone and as a result, the rats began
displaying female – like behaviors.
Not all current research supports the theory that sex hormones are
the driving force behind one’s gender identity. There has been animal
experimentation evidence supporting other biological factors. One such study
supported the theory that dopaminergic neurons may develop functional sex
functions when sex hormones are absent (Swabb, 2004). According to this
research, the genes believed to play a role in gender identity are located on
the recombining part of the Y chromosome. The two particular genes are ZFY and
SRY, which both influence the testis. Also, both these genes are transcribed in
the hypothalamus and frontal and temporal cortex in men. These genes are not
found in women. This could possibly mean that sex – specific cell – intrinsic
signals are needed for a full differentiation on male brains. Several
biological factors can impact gender identity, such as neurohormonal factors,
genetics and brain differences.
Environmental Factors and Sexual
Differentiation
Over the last thirty years, the assumptions of how men and women
should act have changed. The masculinity model was developed in the early
1980’s (Burnett, 1995). This model labeled masculinity as having certain
behavioral traits. These included decisiveness, independence, and
competiveness. For many years, it was believed this is how men should act and
women were to act more feminine.
Some researchers conclude that parental encouragement impacts
gender identity (Sue, Sue, & Sue, 2010). Theories include children whose
parents allow and encourage behavior such as cross – dressing. Some believe
that this encourages the child to identify with the opposite gender. Some
theories conclude that young boys who play with dolls will identify with
feminine behavior later on. This theory is also true for young girls who play
with more masculine toys.
An element of gender identity is to feel compatible with one’s
gender group (Egan & Perry, 2001). When outside factors such as the desire
to cross – dress or feeling more compatible with the opposite gender isolates a
person from their own gender. They cannot identify with their own gender and
feel more comfortable identifying as the opposite. These feelings can lead to
Gender Identity Disorder (GID). Again, these feelings have no impact on their
sexual preference, as they may still be heterosexual but would rather live as
the opposite gender.
The psychodynamic perspective holds the theory that gender
identity is a result of childhood. When a person strays from the “norm” of
gender behavior, it is believed that unconscious conflicts from childhood have
caused the person to identify with the opposite gender. While many theorists
and researchers have developed theories and conducted research, there is little
evidence to support the environmental factors as having a large impact on
gender identity.
Nature vs Nurture
The debate of nature versus
nurture has been debated since classical Greek times. It has been one of the
most debated topics in psychology. Based upon my research, I believe that
biological, or nature, has more influence on gender identity. Based upon the research
studies I read, it seems that gender identity is influenced by a lack or excess
of sex hormones. While I believe that biological factors have more influence on
gender identity, I cannot absolutely rule out environmental factors. It is
possible that both biological and environmental factors have a role on gender
identity. I believe that there needs to be much more research done in this area
to learn more about it. Then we can truly decide if gender identity is
biological, environmental or both.
Conclusion
Gender identity is important in the
development of a person. If we are to believe that biological factors have an
impact on gender identity, then our gender identity development begins in the
fetal stage. Some research supports that sex hormones determines our identity.
Other research supports other biological reasons for a person’s identity such
as genetics or brain differences between the sexes. Then there is yet other
research that supports environmental causes for a person’s gender identity. Discovering
why a person identifies with a particular gender is important in order to
provide therapy to those persons suffering from Gender Identity Disorder.
Swabb, D. (2004). Sexual differentation
of the human brain: relevance for gender identity, transsexualism and sexual
orientation. Gynecological Endocrinology,
19(6), 301-312. doi:10.1080/09513590400018231
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