Humans: Nature and Nuture Genes and Gender Roles: Why is the nature argument so appealing? Precilla Y.L. Choy Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles: Why is the nature argument so appealing?. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender, 3, 279-285. Summary by: Lindsay Chisam, Griffin Gosnell, and Erin Morrissey Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Video Clip Nature verses Nurture Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Introduction Small differences in behaviors between men and women Opinions of Precilla Choi Small differences in behaviors between men and women Nature versus nurture debate Specifically, women are more skilled at social interaction than men Small differences in behaviors between men and women Differences have been seen as a role of nurture, but studies are showing that biology has more of a role than previously thought Specifically, women are more skilled at social interaction than men Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

A study of Turner’s Syndrome You all remember, right?! Only one chromosome - which one? Child develops into a female Study: To determine whether differences would be obvious between TS individuals depending on whether their X chromosome was maternally or paternally derived Findings: Paternally derived X chromosome yielded lower social-cognitive dysfunction than those that were maternally derived Normal boys also scored lower on social-cognitive dysfunction than normal girls. Only the X… studied these patients, and showed that Turner's syndrome females with a paternally derived X chromosome (Xp) have much better social skills than those with a maternally derived X (Xm). They conclude that social functioning is influenced by an imprinted gene on the X chromosome that is switched off when the gene is inherited from the mother. And they believe that this may explain male-female differences, such as why men (who only have a maternally derived X chromosome) are more susceptible to developmental disorders that affect language and social functioning Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Turner’s Syndrome (continued) Explanations: Boys are less socially skilled and more vulnerable to developmental disorders Conclusions of Skuse et al. (1997): Evidence that the origin of the X chromosome (either maternal or paternal) plays a role in the development of sexual dimorphism in social behavior Image from: McGuffin, P. & Scourfield, J. (1997). Human genetics: A father's imprint on his daughter's thinking. Nature, 387, 652-653.. Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Conclusions of Choi Gene expression depends on internal and external factors Society’s responsibility to establish an equal foundation where biology and genetics are balanced when comparing sexes The genetic makeup of chromosomes highly influences your social abilities Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Test Questions 1. What determines sex differences? A. Nature B. Biology C. Nurture D. Both A & C 2. Turner’s Syndrome is a genetic condition in with the individual has A. no gonads B. no ovaries C. two sex chromosomes, one inherited from each parent. D. none of the above 3. Who is the least socially competent? A. Turner’s Syndrome, maternally derived X chromosome B. Turner’s Syndrome, paternally derived X chromosome C. Normal girls D. Normal boys True or false? 4. Boys are more vulnerable to developmental disorders. 5. Men are more skilled at social interaction than women. 6. Gene expression changes depend upon both the internal and external environments. D. Nature and Nurture 2. A. No gonads 3. D. normal boys 4. true 5. False… women are more skilled 6.true Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.

Critical Review Interesting points: Male gene is responsible for social cognizance in Turner’s Syndrome. This is genetically derived! Those with Turner Syndrome are even more social than most females! For an equal society, it is necessary to see how nature and nurture intermingle and how they relate to sex differences Unclear points: Why she talks about developmental disorders (e.g. autism) with no background information The kind of questionnaire distributed was not discussed She doesn’t take evolutionary changes into consideration when talking about how males will always be stronger than females Choi, P.Y. (2001). Genes and gender roles. Psychology, Evolution, & Gender.