Is It Your Brain That Makes You Male Or Female? (Press, 19 January 1982)

A report outlines the differences in behaviour between sexes, suggesting that while social conditioning plays a significant role, there may also be inherent biological factors at play. Feminist perspectives typically argue that boys are taught to be tough and competitive while girls are encouraged to be soft and nurturing. However, accumulating evidence indicates that biological differences may influence behaviour, with findings from a rare genetic condition in the Dominican Republic significantly contributing to the discussion. In this region, a genetic disorder results in individuals being raised as girls but undergoing male physical changes during puberty, including deepening voices and the development of male genitalia. It has been observed that many of these individuals begin identifying as boys long before any physical changes occur, challenging the perception that gender identity is strictly determined by upbringing. The report references Professor Michael Besser, who suggests that this phenomenon raises questions about whether these individuals' brains are innately male. Experts dispute the conclusiveness of these observations, noting that while compelling, they originate primarily from isolated cases. Nevertheless, animal studies support the idea that sex hormones can alter brain structure and function during critical developmental periods. Research shows that the male brain is influenced by androgens, including testosterone, during early development, leading to distinct anatomical and behavioural differences from female brains. These hormonal influences manifest in various ways, influencing attributes like aggression and problem-solving abilities. Studies in other species, including rodents and primates, reveal that hormone exposure can trigger behavioural changes consistent with sex differentiation, though variations exist between species, particularly as one moves along the evolutionary scale to humans. While it is difficult to conduct controlled experiments on humans, natural occurrences such as the Dominican condition provide unique insights into how biological factors may shape gender identity and behaviour. Notably, studies into gender roles have shown that girls exposed to androgens during prenatal development tend to exhibit more masculine behaviours and preferences, such as rough play and a lesser interest in dolls. These findings contribute to the ongoing debate about whether behavioural differences stem from nature, nurture, or a combination of both. The report concludes that both biological wiring and societal conditioning significantly influence behaviour, suggesting that traditional gender roles may be harder to change than previously thought. This perspective could provoke contrasting interpretations, especially among feminist theorists, as the implications challenge long-held beliefs regarding the malleability of gender behaviour and identity.

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