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Executive Summary

I explored the topic of sex hormones and their effects on behavior utilizing the more specific thesis; Sexual Behavior and gender identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components such as; genetics, hormones, and evolution. My first argument acknowledged the evolutionary component that influences behavior. The second argument puts emphasis on the genetic components of sexual behavior and gender identity. My last argument focused on the hormonal influences on behavior and development. The conclusion summarized these aspects and discussed the overarching theme again that biological components play just as a significant role in developing sexual behavior and gender identity as environmental factors.

Multimedia link to presentation:

Final Presentation – ESEPSY 1359

List of sources mostly drawn from for presentation/paper:

•1. Hiort, O. (2013, June 24). The differential role of androgens in early human sex development. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3706224/
•2. Robbins, A. (1996, November 1). Androgens and male sexual behavior from mice to men. Cell. Retrieved From: https://www.cell.com/trends/endocrinology-metabolism/pdf/S1043-2760(96)00163-4.pdf
•3. Wilson, J. D. (1999, October 1). Role of Androgens in Male Gender Role Behavior. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/20/5/726/2530965
•4. Berenbaum, S. A., & Beltz, A. M. (2016, February). How Early Hormones Shape Gender Development. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4681519/
•5. McCarthy, M. M. (2008, January). Estradiol and the developing brain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2754262/
•6. McEwen, B. S., & Milner, T. A. (2017, January 2). Understanding the broad influence of sex hormones and sex differences in the brain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5120618/
•7. G., J. O., Udry, Richard, J., Rodgers, & Lee, J. (1984, March 1). Adolescent Sexual Behavior and Friendship Choice *. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/sf/article-abstract/62/3/653/2231358
•8. Roselli, C. E. (2018, July). Neurobiology of gender identity and sexual orientation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6677266/
•9. NOVA | Transcripts | Sex: Unknown. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2813gender.html
•10. Mcleod, S. (1970, January 1). Biological Theories of Gender. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/gender-biology.html

Draft

Sexual behavior and gender identity are both manifestations of environmental and biological factors that combine to help shape who you are and how you choose to live your life. While these environmental factors are commonly seen as the only means of influence because they are the most easily identified and attributed, it is in fact false that these outside forces are not alone in shaping who and you are and how you behave. Biological factors, which stem from ones physiological and anatomical makeup play a very powerful and crucial role in shaping sexual behaviors and gender identity. Sexual Behavior and gender identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components such as; genetics, hormones, and evolution.

One of these important biological inputs can be seen with an evolutionary perspective. Our ancestors had their behavior heavily influenced by environmental pressures resulting in gender identity and gender roles that were adaptive forms taken in order to ensure reproductive success and survival. These pressures could be seen with defense from predators, gathering of materials, and hunting game for food. Optimal performance for each job was not equal between each sex and one sex was better suited for specific jobs as there are notable physical and mental characteristics between the sexes that allow the highest layer and level of success. While survival from life-threatening events isn’t as common today, the hard-wiring and physiological adaption that arose from this natural selection process still remains today and can likely attest to many observed behaviors. The argument, that while natural selection is occurring, it is due to the environmental pressures, thus this component of sexual behavior and gender identity is in fact an environmental factor-based argument that can arise. However, while it is true that natural selection and adaptation seen stems from environmental pressures, this adaption, and evolution have physiological and biological changes that provide a contribution to behavioral change, thus internal drives arise to shape gender roles.

A second biological input can be analyzed through a genetic approach. There are biological roots that can be observed through non-human animal species participating in all forms of sexual behavior and correlations and connections tying sexual behavior and certain genes together. To be clear and transparent, there is not a specific gene that accounts for sex behavior or gender identity, just as there is no single gene that controls sexual orientation. However, it is true and known today that there are specific and certain genes that play a role in behavioral probability. There is also evidence of epigenetic components (manipulating gene expression by turning on and off genes) changing and affecting certain gene expressions can be accomplished by environmental factors. This fact brings up the argument that because environmental factors (like a mother mouse licking her pups) show effects on manipulating gene expression, this is in fact an environmental factor. While this is true, genetic expression without this environmental influence still occurs and thus still serves alone to influence things such as sexual behavior and gender identity development.

A third component from physiological influence can be seen through hormone level expression. This can be seen and represented in experiments involving hormonal manipulations. Introducing male-typical hormones that both shape and change the human brain and body may masculinize the brain and lead to an individual taking on male gender identity and exhibiting more male-typical behavior. A study of twin boys showcased this phenomenon. One of the twin brothers upon circumcision suffered from a medical malpractice moment and had his penis and testicles burned off. The family decided to do sex reassignment surgery and raise the boy as a girl. All throughout life the “baby girl” identified more as a masculine person and still assumed a male gender identity, choosing to later undergo sex reassignment surgery back to a male. Another example of hormonal influence on gender identity and sexual behavior can be seen with assigned at birth female babies who have congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This disorder results in an increase in testosterone (male-typical) hormones and decreased cortisol levels. The female babies are born with ambiguous genitalia (masculinized) and grow up representing more “male-typical” behavior as well as typically identifying more as a male. The notion that environmental aspects increase or decrease hormonal release and thus this is actually an environmental factor can be brought up, but it is the actual hormone level and hormone itself that changes the resultant physiology and observed behavior, thus making this an internally sourced factor of shaping behavior.

Sex behavior and developing gender identity are strongly influenced by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components such as; genetics, hormones, and evolution. From an evolutionary perspective, outside and environmental pressures play a key role in influencing and shaping the physiology and biology of our ancestors through natural selection contributes to observed gender roles seen today. Genetic components that stem from our physiology ties into increasing or decreasing probability with certain observed behaviors and can be manipulated or changed through epigenetics. While genes are a connection of probability, so are hormone levels. Hormonal levels influence observed behaviors both from physiological responses (like pupil dilation when aroused, as well as behavioral responses (like female rats performing lordosis in order to mate). Overall it is these internal components that make a large impact alongside environmental factors that ultimately decide our behavior and construct who we are as individuals.

Outline

General Outline

I. Thesis: Sexual Behavior and gender identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components such as; genetics, hormones, and evolution.

II. Weakest Argument:  Evolutionary factors heavily influence sex behavior, gender identity, and gender roles.

III. Counterclaim + Address it: While natural selection is occurring it is due to the environmental pressures, thus this component of sexual behavior and gender identity is in fact an environmental factor. (While this is true that natural selection and adaptation seen is from environmental pressures, this adaption, and evolution has physiological and biological changes that provide a contribution of behavioral change).

IV. Middle Argument: Genetics heavily influences sex behavior, gender identity, and gender roles.

V. Counterclaim + Address it: Bringing up epigenetics, environmental factors (like a mother mouse licking her pups) show effects on manipulating gene expression, this is in fact an environmental factor. (While this is true, genetic expression without this environmental influence still occurs and thus still serves alone to influence things such as sexual behavior and gender identity development.

VI. Strongest Argument 1: Hormones heavily influences sex behavior, gender identity, and gender roles.

VII. Counterclaim + Address it: Environmental forces like stressors can influence hormonal release. Because of this it is technically an environmental factor. (Yes, environmental aspects increase or decrease hormone release, but it is the actual hormone level and hormone itself that changes the resultant physiology / observed behavior.)

VIII. Conclusion: Restate Thesis, Summarize thoughts, and avoid new unsupported ideas.

Argument (3) Supporting Thesis

Thesis: Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components.

Argument (3) Briefly: [Evolutionary role in Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity] Sexual behavior and gender identity are shaped not just by environmental factors such as societal norms and parental upbringing, but also through biological factors. One of these important biological inputs rather than genetics or hormone levels can be seen with an evolutionary perspective. Our ancestors had their behavior heavily influenced by environmental pressures resulting in gender identity and gender roles that were adaptive forms taken in order to ensure reproductive success and survival. While survival from life-threatening events isn’t as common today, the hard-wiring and physiological adaption that arose from this natural selection still remains today and can likely attest to many observed behaviors.

Resource(s):https://www.simplypsychology.org/gender-biology.html

Argument (2) Supporting My Thesis

Thesis: Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components.

Argument (2) Briefly: [Hormonal Role in Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity] Exhibited sexual behavior, as well as developed gender identity, does not only involve environmental factors and personal choices. This can be seen and represented in experiments involving hormonal manipulations. Introducing male-typical hormones that both shape and change the human brain and body may masculinize the brain and lead to an individual taking on male gender identity and exhibiting more male-typical behavior.

Resource(s):

1- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6677266/–> Neurobiology of gender identity

2- https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/2813gender.html –> Case involving hormonal manipulation effects

 

Argument (1) Supporting my Thesis

Thesis: Sexual Behavior and Gender Identity are shaped by not just environmental factors but also are strongly influenced by biological components.

Argument (1) Briefly: [Genetic role in sexual behavior and Gender Identity] Exhibited sexual behavior, as well as developed gender identity, does not only involve environmental factors and personal choices. There are biological roots that can be observed through non-human animal species participating in all forms of sexual behavior and correlations and connections tying sexual behavior and certain genes together. There is also evidence of epigenetic components (manipulating gene expression by turning on and off genes) also being linked to expressed sexual behavior and developed gender identity.

Resource(s): https://academic.oup.com/sf/article-abstract/62/3/653/2231358 –> Adolescent sexual behavior (choice?)

 

 

What did you learn from Laura Fathauer’s presentation?

What did you learn from Laura Fathauer’s presentation about User-generated content and Mashups that may help you in our class or in your other academic pursuits? Did she challenge your thinking? Did she offer you advice you will use?

From Laura’s presentation, I learned first what a mashup was. Essentially compositions that combine previously existing works which are often protected by copyright and change them or transform them into new original creations. I also learned that copyrighted items have expiration dates that must be extended. This can be exemplified through the Mickey Mouse curve as Mickey Mouse whose copyrighted and owned by Disney, consistently gets its expiration date pushed back. Something I did find helpful and that I may be able to apply to other academic pursuits, was the ability to lawfully publish copies of others work if this work falls into a public domain category if it was published before 1923. This challenged my thinking as I was under the impression, that there wasn’t any way to lawfully publish someones work regardless of the date of publication.

Expert Answers

Topic: Sex Hormones and their effect on behavior

Expert Answers

Answers

  1. What implications do sex hormones during early development have on gender identification later on in life?
    Sex hormone levels have been correlated with gender identification (in terms of male / female typical behaviors). An example of this can be seen with assigned females at birth with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) a condition where females have higher levels of synthesized testosterone and lower levels of cortisol. This results in ambiguous genitals and male-typical playing behaviors observed in females.
  2. If male-typical sex hormones are given to female children during puberty, what would be the result on their bodies in a physical/physiological sense?
    Male typical hormones will have masculinizing effects on the developing female. You’ll see increase in body hair growth as well as thickening of the vocal cords and potentially less breast tissue development.
  3. Can female-typical hormones influence sexual behavior for men after puberty?
    Not to any significant extent in most cases, there are critical periods around developing children and adolescent’s lives where hormonal influencing are most potent. Seen in rats, male rats after these developmental periods will not show lordosis (female-typical mating behavior) even when given female typical hormones.
  4. What were some research methods utilized to discover sex differences between male and female brains?
    Anatomically – taking thin slices of mice brains and observing them under powerful microscopes, a region of the brain known as the SDN (Sexually Dimorphic Nucleus) demonstrates a region that is different in number of neurons between male and female brains.                                                                                                                     Physiologically – taking fetus rats, manipulating male and female hormones has shown the different effects on development of these various dimorphic features (for example, estradiol *actually used to masculinize rodent brains instead of Testosterone in humans, stops cell death in the SDN (this is why male SDN’s have a higher number of neurons than in females)
  5. What hormone(s) are considered male-typical and what typical behaviors are they connected to? 
    1. Male Typical: Androgens (i.e.,Testosterone) = aggression and dominance. It also helps to spark competitiveness and boost self-esteem. Just as sexual activity
  6. What hormone(s) are considered female-typical and what typical behaviors are they connected to?

    1. Female Typical: Estrogens (i.e., Estradiol) = Estrogens are involved in libido (sex drive) in both women and men.  Plays a significant role in women’s mental health.- Higher in levels of fathers (lower cortisol and testosterone levels) vs. non-fathers.
  7. What are common misconceptions surrounding sex hormones and behaviors?
    Behaviors and hormone levels are cut and dry and play direct roles in controlling specific behaviors, in truth both play key roles in many behaviors congruently
  8. How does Testosterone influence sexual behavior/sex drive?
    Testosterone greatly influences libido in both men and women
  9. How does Estrogen influence sexual behavior/sex drive?
    A common misconception is that estrogen doesn’t play a significant role in estrogen, but it does in fact play a big role in sexual activity.
  10. If NO hormones are present or given within a developing fetus and throughout adulthood, what would be the effects on that developing fetus in terms of development and later on that fetus’ behavior as an adult?
    1. NO hormonal influence within the womb will cause default female development. Androgens are necessary in order to masculinize and de-feminize male fetuses (while much more complicated, female can be considered the “default” development). Behavior as an adult as such typically shifts to more female typical behavior.

Annotated Bibliography (6)

Source (6):

McEwen, B. S., & Milner, T. A. (2017, January 2). Understanding the broad influence of sex hormones and sex differences in the brain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5120618/

What: Broad Influence of Sex Hormones and Sex differences in the Brain which contribute to differences in

Who: NCBI (PMC)

Why: This article talks about how sex hormones act throughout the entire brain of both males and females via both genomic and non-genomic receptors

When: This source was written in 2017, it is relevant and can speak on how both sex hormones act in conjunction to development and behavior as both men and women have estrogen and testosterone

Where: US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

How: I found this article through a google search, specifically trying to see the effects of both estrogen and testosterone and how they work in conjunction.

Annotated Bibliography (5)

Source (5): 

McCarthy, M. M. (2008, January). Estradiol and the developing brain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2754262/

What: The observation of estradiol (female-typical) hormone and its effects on the development of the brain.

Who: NCBI (PMC)

Why: This article talks about the role of estradiol and its effects on development of the brain.

When: This source was written in 2008, I think it still holds value in terms of estradiol influences even though it is slightly older.

Where: US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health

How: I found this article searching specifically for more insight on female typical hormones and their impact on fetal development.