CHAPTER 2: Theories and Perspectives on Gender

2.1 Theory versus Theoretical Perspective

A theory is an explanation for a set of observations or phenomena that is supported by a body

of evidence (Olmstead, 2002). Theories are important because they allow you to make sense of
the world around you and to make predictions about how things will behave in the future. They
also serve as a basis for further research and exploration, as scientists and other researchers
seek to confirm or revise existing theories or develop new ones.

A theoretical perspective refers to a specific viewpoint or approach within a theory (Krippendorff,

2004). It is a particular way of using a theory to analyze a subject or a phenomenon, as it
focuses on specific aspects or elements of the theory and offers a unique viewpoint on the
subject.

Studying theories and theoretical perspectives is important because:

•It helps the learner understand the underlying frameworks, principles, and assumptions that
shape the understanding of the world;
• It provides a way of organizing and making sense of complex and diverse phenomena;
• It can help develop strategies for addressing social problems or improving the understanding
of the world; and
• It assists in finding patterns and trends that might not be obvious at first.

Relevance of Studying Theories and Perspectives

Studying theories and perspectives about gender is particularly relevant for students in this day
and age because of these reasons:

Gender is a central and highly influential aspect of society and culture.

Gender shapes and is shaped by a range of social, cultural, and economic factors, and it
intersects

with other social identities, such as race, class, and sexual orientation,

Understanding theories about gender can help students to better understand how gender
influences and is influenced by various factors, and how gender shapes and is shaped by
personal experiences

and identities. Gender can also help students to develop critical thinking skills and approach
issues related to gender with an open and questioning mindset.
It can encourage students to challenge assumptions and biases, and to consider multiple
perspectives and viewpoints.

Is Gender Developed?

Gender, as previously discussed, is a complex and multifaceted concept, and its development
can be influenced by a variety of factors. Gender development is the process by which
individuals learn and come to understand societal expectations and norms related to the roles,
behaviors, and characteristics that are considered appropriate for males and females. Gender
development can be influenced by a variety of factors, including biology, psychology, and social
and cultural contexts.

There are several theories and perspectives that sought to understand gender and its
development. The succeeding discussion will delve into the most significant and influential
thoughts.

Gender Theories versus Theoretical Perspectives on Gender

Gender theory is a broad and complex field that seeks to understand and explain the ways in
which gender shapes a person's lives and experiences. It encompasses a range of theories and
approaches that seek to understand the social, cultural, and biological factors that influence
gender development.

Theoretical perspectives on gender are specific ways of looking at and understanding gender
under the umbrella of gender theories. It offers a lens to understand theories in context,
highlighting certain aspects and emphasizing certain aspects over others. Table 1.1.2 on the
next page shows the difference between the two concepts.

Table 1.2 Difference Between Gender Theory and Theoretical Perspective Gender

Gender Theory- It is the broader term that encompasses different ideas and explanations about
what gender is, how it is constructed and maintained in society, and how it affects individuals
and groups.

Theoretical Perspective on Gender- A specific way of looking at and understanding gender. It

is a subcategory of gender theories.

Gender is a complex and multifaceted aspect that shapes a person's experiences and
interactions in the world. There are many different approaches to understanding gender, and
each of these theories offers a unique perspective on how gender is constructed, performed,
and experienced. The relevance of studying gender theories is especially crucial in a world that
is becoming increasingly diverse and complex, and where gender is often a controversial and
divisive topic.
The key to understanding the complexities of the concept of gender and its role in society is to
gain a balanced and nuanced knowledge of the different theories and to think critically about
how these theories might be applied in different contexts. Some of the major theories of gender
and the different perspectives in these theories will be explored in the lessons in this chapter.

2.2 Biological Theory on Gender

The biological theory of gender posits that a person's gender is primarily determined by
biological factors, such as sex chromosomes, hormones, and reproductive organs. According to
this theory, there are two distinct sexes, male and female, and a person's gender should align
with their biological sex. This theory is rooted in the idea that there are inherent differences
between men and women, and that these differences are determined by biology (American
Psychological Association, 2018).

Here are some key points of the biological theory on gender:

1. Being female and male is determined by the presence of X or Y chromosomes. These sexes
are also known as primary or gonadal sex.
2. There are two distinct sexes, male and female, and a person's masculinity or femininity
should align with their biological sex.
3. Hormones play a role. Testosterone and estrogen can affect the development of various
physical and behavioral traits. Testosterone is associated with typical male characteristics and
estrogen with typical female characteristics.
4. The reproductive organ is an indicator of being either a man or a woman. An individual born
with a penis is a male, hence considered a boy/man born with masculine traits. An individual
born with a vagina is a female, hence considered a girl/woman with feminine traits.

Table 1.2.2 Theoretical Perspectives on the Biological Theory of Gender

Perspective:

Hormonal influences- Focuses on the role of hormones in the development of gender and
sexual characteristics.

Key Points
•Hormones play a crucial role in the development of sexual characteristics such as primary and
secondary sex characteristics during prenatal development (Berenbaum & Beltz, 2016).
•Hormones also affect brain development and behavior, which can influence gender identity,
sexual orientation, and other aspects of gender expression (Ristori et al., 2020).
•Hormones play a crucial role in the development of the brain and nervous system, and
hormonal imbalances can lead to variations in gender identity and behavior (Jordan-Young,
2012).
•Research on hormones and gender began in the early 20th century, with early studies focusing
on the effects of testosterone and estrogen on sexual development and behavior.

Behavioral endocrinology- This perspective is related to the hormonal influences' perspective;

but behavioral endocrinology specifically focuses on:

•the relationship between hormones and behavior (Nelson, 2005);

•how hormones can modulate the effects of social and environmental factors on the expression
of gender-related behavior (Hines, 2010); and
•how hormones can influence sexual behavior and aggression in animals and humans, as well
as in other aspects such as spatial cognition, communication, and social behavior (Hines,
2010).

While both hormonal and behavioral endocrinology perspectives focus on the role of hormones
in the development of gender, the behavioral endocrinology perspective is more specific in its
focus on how hormones shape behavior.

Genetic and chromosomal influences- Focuses on the role of genes and chromosomes in the
development of gender.

Key Points:
•Variations in the genetic makeup and chromosomal anomalies can lead to variations in sexual
characteristics and reproductive capacity and can contribute to the development of intersex
conditions (Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 2022).
•Studies of twins and family pedigrees have helped researchers understand the heritability of
gender identity and sexual orientation (Roselli, 2018).
•The X and Y chromosomes are especially important in determining gender and sex
characteristics. Chromosomal variations such as Turner syndrome (XO), Klinefelter syndrome
(XXY), and XYY syndrome can lead to variations in sex characteristics and reproductive
capacity. (US. National Library of Medicine, 2023).
•In the 1920s and 1930s, doctors and researchers began to understand the role of
chromosomes in the development of intersex conditions, studying patients with chromosomal
variations like Turner syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and XYY syndrome.
•The study of the genetic basis of gender had a major milestone in the 1990s with the
completion of the Human Genome Project. The Human Genome Project was a scientific effort
that aimed to sequence the human genome for the first time. In 2003, the project produced a
genome sequence that accounted for over 90% of the human genome.

Neuroscience- Focuses on the role of the brain and nervous system in the development of
gender.

Key Points:
• The brain and nervous system play a crucial role in the development of gender identity, sexual
orientation, and other aspects of gender expression (Kiyar et al., 2020).
•There are structural and functional differences in the brains of males and females, and that
these differences may be related to gender identity and behavior (LeVay, 2011).
• The study of the neural basis of gender began in the early 20th century but had a major
milestone in the 1990s with the development of brain imaging techniques such as MRI and
functional MRI (fMRI).

Limitations of the Biological Theory on Gender

The biological theory on gender only covers the biological factors that are said to influence a
person's gender. However, a person is more than just their physiology. Below are some
limitations of the biological theory on gender:

1. It oversimplifies the complexities of gender and sex and that it does not take into account that
there is a wide range of variation in terms of sex and gender among individuals.
2. It does not take into account the social, cultural, and environmental factors that may shape an
individual's experience of gender and sex.
3. Binary male and female system are not accurate and not one-size-fits-all.
4. Certain conditions can result in intersex traits, which means that a person's biology does not
fit the typical binary of male or female.
5. Gender expression and identity are complex and fluid, not just determined by biology.
6. Some cultures have long recognized more than two genders, and not everyone fits into the
binary of male and female.