How gender identity is determined
I am interested in researching how gender identity is determined and its relation to nature, nurture, and sexual orientation. Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal sense of their gender, which may be male. This topic intersects psychology, biology, and social science, raising fundamental questions about human development and identity formation (Abraham, 2021). Females are a combination of both(genderqueer or non-binary) or neither(a gender). Sexual orientation, on the other hand, refers to the pattern of emotional, romantic, and sexual attraction to others based on their gender about one’s own (Bakker & Walker, 2020). Therefore, the paper will discuss whether gender identity is a natural (biological factors) or nurture (environmental and social factors) concern and research gaps.
One of the key questions in this research topic is whether gender identity and sexuality are natural or nurture concerns. Some research suggests that biological factors such as genetics and prenatal hormone exposure may play a role in determining gender identity and sexual orientation. Supporters of the nature argument affirm that gender variances are mainly affected by biological factors, such as hormones and genetics (Abraham, 2021). They claim that these inborn factors participate in the growth of certain gender-specific features and behaviors. For example, studies have displayed that men tend to have higher testosterone levels, which can lead to more violent as well as dominant manners. Females normally have higher estrogen levels related to caregiving and nurturing tendencies. Research has also studied the impact of brain structure on sex dissimilarities (Bakker & Walker, 2020). Neuroimaging researchers have discovered differences in brain areas between men and women. For instance, research done by Daphna Joel and associates in 2015 discovered that though there is significant overlay, there are also dissimilarities in brain structure between males and females. These variations may contribute to differences in mental capabilities and behavioral qualities. The nurture outlook emphasizes the role of social, environmental, and cultural impacts in determining gender identity as well as manners. Children are exposed to several socializing mediators, comprising peers, parents, learning institutions, and media, which convey social standards and prospects concerning gender (Bakker & Walker, 2020). Research studies have validated the influence of socialization on gender growth. In current years, scholars have acknowledged the significance of an incorporated approach that contemplates nature and nurture. They claim that biological and environmental impacts interrelate and jointly affect each other in modeling gender identity and behavior (Abraham, 2021). This perception, identified as interactionist theory, recognizes the multifaceted interaction between genetic tendencies and societal practices. For instance, in 2006, research in Developmental Science inspected the collaboration between genetic aspects and nurturing styles in prompting children’s gender-typed behavior (Bakker & Walker, 2020). The discoveries displayed that kids with a particular genetic variation were more affected by parental behavior and showed sturdier gender-typed manners than kids without the variation. Thus, both genetic tendencies and environmental dynamics are involved in gender development.
The research on how gender identity is determined needs to consider dissimilarities in nature and the salience of females’ and males’ gender personalities. People speculate that the impacts of sex differ according to gender identity. As an outcome, the differences between women and men can surpass the variations between females and males (Hofstede et al., 2015). Thus, research on gender identity should consider the research’s effect on gender equality.
In conclusion, the determination of gender identity and sexual orientation is a complex and multifaceted issue that warrants further research. By exploring the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping these aspects of identity, we can gain a deeper understanding of human development and diversity. This research agenda can potentially inform clinical practice, policy, and societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality.
References
Abraham, A. (2021). Gender identity. Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC.
Bakker, A. J., & Walker, B. R. (2020). Sex drive and sociosexuality are moderated by gender identity and gender identity fluidity. Personality and Individual Differences, 159, 109884. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109884
Hofstede, G. J., Dignum, F., Prada, R., Student, J., & Vanhée, L. (2015). Gender differences: The role of nature, nurture, social identity, and self-organization. Multi-Agent-Based Simulation XV, 72-87. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14627-0_6