Gender Paper Catherine Greninger
Grand Canyon University: PSY 225
February 18, 2015

Gender Paper Gender identity is not as easy of a task for doctors to decipher as it once was. Between intersex, hermaphrodites, ones social environments, and mental changes that can occur later in life. However, to define gender identity would be as easy as saying men or women. That is not the case when you take a closer look. There are several differences, as well as similarities distinguishing men from women. Aside from men being known to be less complex and temperamental or that women are more complex with emotions, and or psychologically factors then men. We all have learned over the years to understand we are either born a male or female on the surface even though our genetics, may tell us otherwise. DNA is composed and chemically our behaviors separate us from one another.

Genetically women are born with XX chromosomes, ovaries, a vagina, breast; they carry more estrogen and less testosterone than males. Women are more nurturing, sensitive and are caregivers by nature. We want to take care of children, the home, and are emotional at times. Unlike our counter parts we are able to manage the stress of motherhood, and day to day lives as a housewife. Males are born with XY chromosomes, have a penis, testicals, make a lot less estrogen than women, and produce a lot more testosterone than women. Men tend to be more aggressive than women and not as caring as women. They are workhorses, and providers. Is this due to society or is this due to genetics? Some might say it is both; others say it’s due to society and gender roles. However, the differences of the genetic make-up, is what separate us the most, and is the common denominating factor in making us who we are for society, and our roles in society.

Let us face it “Sex” and “Gender”, are not the same thing by any means. Sex is a biological state that is measure via chromosomal content along side a long line of variety into physiological and developmental. Gender is the roles played out by the male or female, expectations put on them by society and the perceptions that are given by or for society for that gender. The two have been found to be interconnected in a few ways, but they are truly are not the same things. We are born with a “sex”, but after society, our parents, and situations we acquire gender. There is great personal diversity within the societies today on gender and that play out in behavior and personality of that person later in life. Gender roles are cultural and personal determine how males and females “should” think, speak, dress, and interact within the context of society: from our parents, teachers, peers, media, music, books, and religion. They all teach and attempt to define what gender roles should be throughout the lifespan. I think personally parents exert the greatest influence on their child when they are born. From the time you are born colors you are around are picked out for you pink, blue, green, purple you name it and a color has a general (what???) associated with it. Then comes the getting dressed part! Bows, and dresses, to Disney play time for girls. Boy’s trucks, cars, and sports!!! All things that will guide, or mislead a child into becoming what a gender savvy parent would