Ch 3: Biological sex and intersexuality

• Typical sex development
• Intersexuality
• Hermaphroditism
• Chromosomal abnormalities
• Klinefelter’s syndrome
• Turner’s syndrome
• Trisomy X syndrome
• Super male syndrome
• Hormonal abnormalities
• Androgen insensitivity syndrome
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• 5-alpha reductase deficiency disorder
• Understanding intersexuality
• Chapter application:  Examples of non-sexually-dimorphic species

• Explain the role of hormones and chromosomes in typical biological sex development
• Explain the role of hormones and chromosomes in atypical biological sex development
• Identify various forms of intersex conditions

Even though this is a course on the psychology of gender, and not sex, it is still important that we have a firm foundational understanding of the difference between the two.  Whereas after this week we will focus almost entirely on further concepts related to just gender, we are going to take a step back now and focus here on biological sex.  Specifically, we are going to critically evaluate the lie we were all told in high school biology--that it's our chromosomes that are solely responsible for determining our biological sex.  You know, the one that says that if we have XX chromosomes that we are female; if we have XY chromosomes that we are male.  Although that is true for most people, it's not true for everyone.  As always, it's the exception that makes the rule.

As such, this unit is divided into two larger components:

• Typical sex development
• Atypical sex development

Main Take-Aways

• All fetuses at conception have the capability to develop into either male or female or otherwise.
• Regardless one's chromosomal pattern, an individual's biological sex is not determined until about 6 weeks AFTER conception.  Hormones play an even more important role than chromosomes in the determination of one's biological sex.
• "Intersex" refers to a category of individuals who do not align with the typical XX=female, XY=male dichotomy.  There are many identified intersex conditions (and probably many more that are not yet identified).
• The biological sex that one is born as may not always coincide with his or her gender identity.

Purpose:  This exercise encourages students to delve into real-world scenarios, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of intersex experiences.  It is meant to analyze real-life scenarios involving intersex individuals, understand the challenges they face, and discuss appropriate responses and support mechanisms.

Materials Needed:

• Pre-prepared case studies or narratives detailing various experiences of intersex individuals.
• Guiding questions for analysis.

Step 1:  Introduction (10 minutes):

• Begin with a brief overview of intersex, clarifying that it refers to individuals born with physical sex characteristics that don't fit typical definitions of male or female.
• Emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting intersex individuals' experiences.

Step 2:  Group Formation (5 minutes):

• Divide the class into small groups of 3-5 students.

Step 3:  Case Study Distribution (5 minutes):

• Provide each group with a different case study or narrative about an intersex individual's experience.
• Ensure the case studies cover a range of scenarios, such as medical decision-making, social interactions, and personal identity challenges.

Step 4:  Group Analysis (20 minutes):

• Instruct each group to read their case study and discuss the following guiding questions:
  1. What are the main challenges faced by the individual in the case study?
  2. How do societal attitudes and medical practices impact the individual's experience?
  3. What support mechanisms could be beneficial in this scenario?
  4. How can awareness and education about intersex issues be improved based on this case?

Step 5:  Group Presentations (15 minutes):

• Have each group present a summary of their case study and their discussion points to the class.

Step 6: Class Discussion (10 minutes):

• Facilitate a broader discussion on common themes, insights gained, and the importance of inclusivity and support for intersex individuals.

Explain the role of hormones and chromosomes in typical biological sex development

• How do the X and Y chromosomes influence the development of male and female phenotypes during embryonic growth?
• What roles do hormones such as testosterone and estrogen play in the differentiation of sexual characteristics during puberty?
• Can you discuss the process by which the SRY gene on the Y chromosome directs the development of testes in typical male development?
• How do hormonal feedback mechanisms regulate the development and maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in typical male and female bodies?
• In what ways do chromosomal configurations (XX for females, XY for males) determine the gonadal development in typical sex differentiation?

Explain the role of hormones and chromosomes in atypical biological sex development

• How can variations in sex chromosomes, such as Turner syndrome or Klinefelter syndrome, affect an individual's sexual development?
• What impact do hormonal imbalances or insensitivities, like Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), have on the development of sexual characteristics?
• Can you explain how Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) leads to atypical development of sexual anatomy due to enzyme deficiencies affecting hormone production?
• How do environmental factors or endocrine disruptors contribute to atypical sexual development during critical periods of growth?

Identify various forms of intersex conditions

• What are the distinguishing features of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), and how does it affect individuals with this condition?
• How does Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) manifest differently in genetic males and females?
• Can you describe the characteristics and implications of Turner syndrome and Klinefelter syndrome as they relate to intersex variations?
• What is 5-alpha-reductase deficiency, and how does it influence sexual development in affected individuals?

Assignment Overview:
 In this 4–6 page essay, you will explore the biological complexities of sex development, with a focus on the role of hormones and chromosomes in atypical presentations (e.g., intersex conditions). The goal is to analyze how scientific knowledge challenges binary conceptions of sex and how these biological realities intersect with gender identity, medical ethics, and social perceptions.

Assignment Prompt:

Part I: Biological Foundations (2–3 pages)

• Explain the typical role of chromosomes (e.g., XX, XY) and hormones (e.g., estrogen, testosterone) in sex development.
• Describe how variations such as Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS), Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), Turner syndrome (XO), or Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) can lead to atypical sex development.
• Clarify how these conditions complicate the binary classification of “male” and “female.”

Part II: Gender, Identity, and Ethics (2–3 pages)

• Discuss how individuals with atypical sex development may experience gender identity and social gender norms.
• Explore ethical debates surrounding early medical interventions (e.g., surgeries on intersex infants).
• Reflect on the implications for gender theory: How do these biological realities support or challenge concepts like gender essentialism or social construction?

Criteria