Psy 201: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality Notes - Lecture 14:...

Lecture 14: Sex, Gender, & Sexuality
October 23, 2014
FROM LAST LECTURE:

Addiction- physical dependence

Cravings= psychological dependence

9% of US received treatment

Repeated drug use leads to tolerance (worst with
opiates/ alcohol)

Alcohol + depressants (Xanax)= massive slowdown of
nervous system, coma, death

Alcohol + stimulants (Adderall) = masks effects, leading
to OD risk; chemical by-product more deadly than
individual parts
1). Sexual Development
o
Sex = biologically male or female
o
Gender = psychological and social traits of sex

Sex differences

Genetic sex: made of x and y differences

Female is XX

Male is XY

Genetic mutations can occur: one x, one y

Gonads are sex glands in endocrine system

Sex hormones: androgens/ estrogens; hormones contribute
to sexual development

Sexual characteristics:
o
Primary- reproductive organs
o
Secondary- more superficial;
breast development and facial
hair
2). Sexual orientation

Sexual orientation exists on a: continuum (or spectrum)

Defined as: degree of emotional and erotic attraction

With respect to the nature-nurture debate: sexual
orientation is primarily nature

Evidence: Differences in brain structures/
Maternal immunization hypothesis (each older
brothers increases odds of a man being gay by 33%)