Melissa Hines
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195188363
- eISBN:
- 9780199865246
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195188363.003.0010
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Development
This chapter describes what is known about the nature of differences in the brains of men and women, as well as their implications for human behaviors that show sex differences. Topics discussed ...
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This chapter describes what is known about the nature of differences in the brains of men and women, as well as their implications for human behaviors that show sex differences. Topics discussed include sex differences in brain size, regional sex differences in the brain and spinal cord, imaging and neural sex differences, comparisons of neural sex differences across species, and behavioral correlates of sex differences in the human brain.Less
This chapter describes what is known about the nature of differences in the brains of men and women, as well as their implications for human behaviors that show sex differences. Topics discussed include sex differences in brain size, regional sex differences in the brain and spinal cord, imaging and neural sex differences, comparisons of neural sex differences across species, and behavioral correlates of sex differences in the human brain.
Melissa Hines
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195188363
- eISBN:
- 9780199865246
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195188363.003.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Development
This chapter begins with a discussion of the meaning of sex difference. It then considers conflicts arising from measurements of psychological sex differences. Sex differences in core gender identity ...
More
This chapter begins with a discussion of the meaning of sex difference. It then considers conflicts arising from measurements of psychological sex differences. Sex differences in core gender identity and sexual orientation, cognition, aggression, play, handedness and language lateralization are discussed.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of the meaning of sex difference. It then considers conflicts arising from measurements of psychological sex differences. Sex differences in core gender identity and sexual orientation, cognition, aggression, play, handedness and language lateralization are discussed.
Melissa Hines
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195188363
- eISBN:
- 9780199865246
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195188363.003.0009
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Development
This chapter discusses sex differences in human cognitive function. Topics discussed include the impact of androgen on intelligence, influence of gonadal hormones on human cognitive development, ...
More
This chapter discusses sex differences in human cognitive function. Topics discussed include the impact of androgen on intelligence, influence of gonadal hormones on human cognitive development, Wechsler tests, and studies of cognitive abilities that show sex differences.Less
This chapter discusses sex differences in human cognitive function. Topics discussed include the impact of androgen on intelligence, influence of gonadal hormones on human cognitive development, Wechsler tests, and studies of cognitive abilities that show sex differences.
Susan Resnick and Ira Driscoll
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0022
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter discusses the morphological and physiological sex differences in the human brain. Recent progress in neuroimaging technology holds the promise of elucidating the neuroanatomic and ...
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This chapter discusses the morphological and physiological sex differences in the human brain. Recent progress in neuroimaging technology holds the promise of elucidating the neuroanatomic and neurophysiologic correlates of sex-influenced behavior by offering a direct approach to study the brain non-invasively. The aim is to provide a foundation for understanding the impact of sex on the human brain in the context of aging, be it normal or pathological.Less
This chapter discusses the morphological and physiological sex differences in the human brain. Recent progress in neuroimaging technology holds the promise of elucidating the neuroanatomic and neurophysiologic correlates of sex-influenced behavior by offering a direct approach to study the brain non-invasively. The aim is to provide a foundation for understanding the impact of sex on the human brain in the context of aging, be it normal or pathological.
Martha H. Verbrugge
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195168792
- eISBN:
- 9780199949649
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195168792.003.0008
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century, American History: 19th Century
Chapter 8 (the counterpart to Chapter 2) explores physical educators’ ideas about sex differences and active womanhood during the second half of the twentieth century. In each decade, teachers ...
More
Chapter 8 (the counterpart to Chapter 2) explores physical educators’ ideas about sex differences and active womanhood during the second half of the twentieth century. In each decade, teachers reconsidered what female fitness meant and how parity in the gym could be achieved. Disagreements rather than unanimity prevailed, as American science, law, and politics offered divergent concepts of difference, equity, and equality. From the 1960s through 1980s, physical educators’ views often paralleled those of the second- and third-wave women’s movement, including liberal feminism and radical (or difference) feminism. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the theme of diversity or multi-culturalism took hold of American society and physical education alike. No mainstream philosophy, however, broke the traditional binaries of male/female, white/black, and straight/gay nor ensured universal equity. When more progressive philosophies of “difference” emerged by the turn of the twenty-first century, maverick physical educators proposed new ways to conceptualize and promote justice in the gym.Less
Chapter 8 (the counterpart to Chapter 2) explores physical educators’ ideas about sex differences and active womanhood during the second half of the twentieth century. In each decade, teachers reconsidered what female fitness meant and how parity in the gym could be achieved. Disagreements rather than unanimity prevailed, as American science, law, and politics offered divergent concepts of difference, equity, and equality. From the 1960s through 1980s, physical educators’ views often paralleled those of the second- and third-wave women’s movement, including liberal feminism and radical (or difference) feminism. During the 1990s and early 2000s, the theme of diversity or multi-culturalism took hold of American society and physical education alike. No mainstream philosophy, however, broke the traditional binaries of male/female, white/black, and straight/gay nor ensured universal equity. When more progressive philosophies of “difference” emerged by the turn of the twenty-first century, maverick physical educators proposed new ways to conceptualize and promote justice in the gym.
Doreen Kimura
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195054927
- eISBN:
- 9780199872268
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195054927.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Neuropsychology
This chapter examines sex differences in brain organization for speech and for manual programming and constructional function. Sex differences in the lateralization of function are relatively minor. ...
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This chapter examines sex differences in brain organization for speech and for manual programming and constructional function. Sex differences in the lateralization of function are relatively minor. A more compelling sex difference exists in the intrahemispheric organization of function. For women, the anterior region in the left hemisphere appears to be critical for speech and manual praxic function. The pattern in males shows a more even distribution of these functions across the two brain sectors, but if anything favors the posterior region, particularly for manual function. For constructional tasks, which sample both right- and left-hemisphere function, the anterior regions are again the more critical in women. These findings may relate to sexual dimorphism in human abilities, with males generally having better abilities relating to distance information and females to intrapersonal space.Less
This chapter examines sex differences in brain organization for speech and for manual programming and constructional function. Sex differences in the lateralization of function are relatively minor. A more compelling sex difference exists in the intrahemispheric organization of function. For women, the anterior region in the left hemisphere appears to be critical for speech and manual praxic function. The pattern in males shows a more even distribution of these functions across the two brain sectors, but if anything favors the posterior region, particularly for manual function. For constructional tasks, which sample both right- and left-hemisphere function, the anterior regions are again the more critical in women. These findings may relate to sexual dimorphism in human abilities, with males generally having better abilities relating to distance information and females to intrapersonal space.
Emeran A. Mayer, Jennifer S. Labus, and Karen J. Berkley
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0019
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter reviews studies on sex differences in pain, providing citations to appropriate recent papers, and discusses at greater length some intriguing new directions, in particular those ...
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This chapter reviews studies on sex differences in pain, providing citations to appropriate recent papers, and discusses at greater length some intriguing new directions, in particular those involving brain imaging studies on sex-related pain differences. First, it considers what is known about sex differences in pain in healthy individuals and those with chronic pain conditions, along with the factors that influence the differences. It then reviews what is known about sex differences in the efficacy and usage of different treatments. It discusses potential mechanisms that contribute to the differences. A special section follows that describes new data emerging from brain imaging studies.Less
This chapter reviews studies on sex differences in pain, providing citations to appropriate recent papers, and discusses at greater length some intriguing new directions, in particular those involving brain imaging studies on sex-related pain differences. First, it considers what is known about sex differences in pain in healthy individuals and those with chronic pain conditions, along with the factors that influence the differences. It then reviews what is known about sex differences in the efficacy and usage of different treatments. It discusses potential mechanisms that contribute to the differences. A special section follows that describes new data emerging from brain imaging studies.
Melissa Hines
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195188363
- eISBN:
- 9780199865246
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195188363.003.0004
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Development
This chapter discusses sex difference in the brain. Topics covered include sex differences in brain structure and neural ultrastructure, mechanisms of hormone action, sex differences in the cerebral ...
More
This chapter discusses sex difference in the brain. Topics covered include sex differences in brain structure and neural ultrastructure, mechanisms of hormone action, sex differences in the cerebral cortex, influences of rearing experience on neural sex differences, and the role of hormone receptors in sex differences in the brain.Less
This chapter discusses sex difference in the brain. Topics covered include sex differences in brain structure and neural ultrastructure, mechanisms of hormone action, sex differences in the cerebral cortex, influences of rearing experience on neural sex differences, and the role of hormone receptors in sex differences in the brain.
Margaret M. McCarthy and Arthur P. Arnold
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0002
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
The study of sex differences in the brain has a long, rich history and remains a vibrant and controversial topic that is central to the field of neuroscience both for its obvious relevance and its ...
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The study of sex differences in the brain has a long, rich history and remains a vibrant and controversial topic that is central to the field of neuroscience both for its obvious relevance and its heuristic value. This chapter provides a brief historical perspective, largely by directing the reader to the many excellent reviews already available, while emphasizing emerging paradigm shifts in our view of the origin and functional significance of brain sex differences. It highlights two major new initiatives: the direct role of sex chromosome genes in determining brain sex differences, and, the novel theoretical view indicating that sometimes the sexes are striving to be the same. The chapter reviews 10 recent discoveries that have changed our thinking about sex differences in the brain.Less
The study of sex differences in the brain has a long, rich history and remains a vibrant and controversial topic that is central to the field of neuroscience both for its obvious relevance and its heuristic value. This chapter provides a brief historical perspective, largely by directing the reader to the many excellent reviews already available, while emphasizing emerging paradigm shifts in our view of the origin and functional significance of brain sex differences. It highlights two major new initiatives: the direct role of sex chromosome genes in determining brain sex differences, and, the novel theoretical view indicating that sometimes the sexes are striving to be the same. The chapter reviews 10 recent discoveries that have changed our thinking about sex differences in the brain.
Lisa A. Eckel, Arthur P. Arnold, Elizabeth Hampson, Jill B. Becker, Jeffrey D. Blaustein, and James P. Herman
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0003
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter provides a conceptual and methodological overview of relevant issues in sex differences/sexual differentiation research, and provides guidance to investigators studying the role of sex ...
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This chapter provides a conceptual and methodological overview of relevant issues in sex differences/sexual differentiation research, and provides guidance to investigators studying the role of sex and/or gonadal steroids in a variety of physiological or behavioral functions in experimental animals and man. Topics discussed include the difference between sex and gender, testing organizational effects of gonadal steroids, testing activational effects of gonadal hormones, conditions that can affect the endocrinology of the estrous cycle, and testing sex-specific effects of sex chromosome genes.Less
This chapter provides a conceptual and methodological overview of relevant issues in sex differences/sexual differentiation research, and provides guidance to investigators studying the role of sex and/or gonadal steroids in a variety of physiological or behavioral functions in experimental animals and man. Topics discussed include the difference between sex and gender, testing organizational effects of gonadal steroids, testing activational effects of gonadal hormones, conditions that can affect the endocrinology of the estrous cycle, and testing sex-specific effects of sex chromosome genes.
Brant R. Burleson and Lisa K. Hanasono
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195380170
- eISBN:
- 9780199864355
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195380170.003.0012
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology, Clinical Psychology
Men and women, as well as members of different cultural groups, respond somewhat differently to the social and emotional support they receive. In particular, women discriminate somewhat more finely ...
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Men and women, as well as members of different cultural groups, respond somewhat differently to the social and emotional support they receive. In particular, women discriminate somewhat more finely than do men among qualitatively different comforting messages; European Americans also discriminate among qualitatively different messages somewhat more than do members of other cultural groups. This chapter reviews the literature on sex and cultural differences in responses to supportive communication and proposes an explanation for these differences grounded in a dual-process theory of supportive message processing. The results of several recent studies whose results support this theory are summarized, and directions for future research are sketched.Less
Men and women, as well as members of different cultural groups, respond somewhat differently to the social and emotional support they receive. In particular, women discriminate somewhat more finely than do men among qualitatively different comforting messages; European Americans also discriminate among qualitatively different messages somewhat more than do members of other cultural groups. This chapter reviews the literature on sex and cultural differences in responses to supportive communication and proposes an explanation for these differences grounded in a dual-process theory of supportive message processing. The results of several recent studies whose results support this theory are summarized, and directions for future research are sketched.
Evelyn F. Field and Ian Q. Whishaw
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0009
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter presents research focusing on the question of whether there are sex differences in the kinematic organization of movement. In addition, the relative contributions of gonadal steroids, ...
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This chapter presents research focusing on the question of whether there are sex differences in the kinematic organization of movement. In addition, the relative contributions of gonadal steroids, the central nervous system (CNS), and of body morphology to the development and subsequent adult expression of sex-typical patterns of movement are discussed. The chapter considers sexual differentiation of the kinematic organization of behavior during juvenile play, dodging to protect a food item and contact righting.Less
This chapter presents research focusing on the question of whether there are sex differences in the kinematic organization of movement. In addition, the relative contributions of gonadal steroids, the central nervous system (CNS), and of body morphology to the development and subsequent adult expression of sex-typical patterns of movement are discussed. The chapter considers sexual differentiation of the kinematic organization of behavior during juvenile play, dodging to protect a food item and contact righting.
Mark Regnerus and Jeremy Uecker
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199743285
- eISBN:
- 9780199894741
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199743285.003.0005
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter delves into how young Americans emotionally experience their sexual relationships and activity patterns. Men and women report very different levels of emotional ...
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This chapter delves into how young Americans emotionally experience their sexual relationships and activity patterns. Men and women report very different levels of emotional connectivity over sex, both on surveys and in person. We explore here the emotions to sex, and note how different sexual traits — like the frequency of intercourse and partner cycling — differentially affect young women’s emotional health. Women and men often want different things from their relationships, and often get different things. Some types of sexual relationship tend to make people more contented and secure, and some do not. It is sexual security that the data point to as most valuable and valued by women. Toward that end, many young women spend considerable time “managing their hearts,” making effort to like the sorts of relationships they’re in, even when what they describe is destructive, one-sided, or clearly unfulfilling. Among women, virgins and those in stable relationships fare best emotionally.Less
This chapter delves into how young Americans emotionally experience their sexual relationships and activity patterns. Men and women report very different levels of emotional connectivity over sex, both on surveys and in person. We explore here the emotions to sex, and note how different sexual traits — like the frequency of intercourse and partner cycling — differentially affect young women’s emotional health. Women and men often want different things from their relationships, and often get different things. Some types of sexual relationship tend to make people more contented and secure, and some do not. It is sexual security that the data point to as most valuable and valued by women. Toward that end, many young women spend considerable time “managing their hearts,” making effort to like the sorts of relationships they’re in, even when what they describe is destructive, one-sided, or clearly unfulfilling. Among women, virgins and those in stable relationships fare best emotionally.
Jill B. Becker and Jane R. Taylor
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0010
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter develops the thesis that sexually dimorphic development of the neural systems involved in motivation has evolved due to sex differences in care of young. It proposes that sex differences ...
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This chapter develops the thesis that sexually dimorphic development of the neural systems involved in motivation has evolved due to sex differences in care of young. It proposes that sex differences in the neural systems important for maternal motivation result in sex differences in motivated behaviors in general. In particular, the greater oxytocin projection to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in females is hypothesized to play an important role in these sex differences. In addition, there are effects of gonadal hormones that modulate the reward system. Specifically, estradiol enhances the rewarding value of potential targets, while progesterone counteracts the effect of estradiol.Less
This chapter develops the thesis that sexually dimorphic development of the neural systems involved in motivation has evolved due to sex differences in care of young. It proposes that sex differences in the neural systems important for maternal motivation result in sex differences in motivated behaviors in general. In particular, the greater oxytocin projection to the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in females is hypothesized to play an important role in these sex differences. In addition, there are effects of gonadal hormones that modulate the reward system. Specifically, estradiol enhances the rewarding value of potential targets, while progesterone counteracts the effect of estradiol.
Victoria Luine and Gary Dohanich
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0012
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
Qualitative sexual dimorphisms in cognition and behavior may afford each sex with the requisite tools that provide an edge for their mutual survival and for the survival of their progeny. This ...
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Qualitative sexual dimorphisms in cognition and behavior may afford each sex with the requisite tools that provide an edge for their mutual survival and for the survival of their progeny. This chapter reviews cognitive function in rodents within this context of qualitative and quantitative sex differences in performance. It examines whether these sex differences impact day-to-day functioning, contribute to the successful evolution of a species, and can be accounted for by mechanisms underlying cognitive function.Less
Qualitative sexual dimorphisms in cognition and behavior may afford each sex with the requisite tools that provide an edge for their mutual survival and for the survival of their progeny. This chapter reviews cognitive function in rodents within this context of qualitative and quantitative sex differences in performance. It examines whether these sex differences impact day-to-day functioning, contribute to the successful evolution of a species, and can be accounted for by mechanisms underlying cognitive function.
Sheri A. Berenbaum, Carol Lynn Martin, Laura D. Hanish, Phillip T. Briggs, and Richard A. Fabes
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0014
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
Sex differences in play have led many scholars to suggest that boys and girls grow up and live in separate cultures. The differences have considerable significance for mental health, social ...
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Sex differences in play have led many scholars to suggest that boys and girls grow up and live in separate cultures. The differences have considerable significance for mental health, social relationships, and cognition across the life span. This chapter addresses the following questions: What are these differences? How do they come about? What do they mean for the world outside of play? What can they tell us about sex differences in other characteristics? Sex differences in childhood play are important for many reasons: they are large, they lead to sex differences in other characteristics (including cognition and adjustment), and they reflect the joint effects of biological predispositions, the social world, and children's constructions of that world.Less
Sex differences in play have led many scholars to suggest that boys and girls grow up and live in separate cultures. The differences have considerable significance for mental health, social relationships, and cognition across the life span. This chapter addresses the following questions: What are these differences? How do they come about? What do they mean for the world outside of play? What can they tell us about sex differences in other characteristics? Sex differences in childhood play are important for many reasons: they are large, they lead to sex differences in other characteristics (including cognition and adjustment), and they reflect the joint effects of biological predispositions, the social world, and children's constructions of that world.
Michael T. Ullman, Robbin A. Miranda, and Michelle L. Travers
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0015
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter examines evidence pertaining to the existence of possible sex differences in the neurocognition of language. It first discusses evidence and explanatory hypotheses related to sex ...
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This chapter examines evidence pertaining to the existence of possible sex differences in the neurocognition of language. It first discusses evidence and explanatory hypotheses related to sex differences in performance on language-related tasks, and then those related to sex differences in the neural bases of language. It also presents a novel theoretical perspective on sex differences in the neurocognition of language and memory. Previous evidence suggests the existence of both behavioral and neural sex differences in language. This pattern of data, as well as a range of other evidence, can be explained by a female advantage at declarative memory, perhaps accompanied by a male advantage at procedural memory. This perspective, which makes clear testable predictions and has potentially important implications, may constitute a useful paradigm for the study of sex differences in language and cognition.Less
This chapter examines evidence pertaining to the existence of possible sex differences in the neurocognition of language. It first discusses evidence and explanatory hypotheses related to sex differences in performance on language-related tasks, and then those related to sex differences in the neural bases of language. It also presents a novel theoretical perspective on sex differences in the neurocognition of language and memory. Previous evidence suggests the existence of both behavioral and neural sex differences in language. This pattern of data, as well as a range of other evidence, can be explained by a female advantage at declarative memory, perhaps accompanied by a male advantage at procedural memory. This perspective, which makes clear testable predictions and has potentially important implications, may constitute a useful paradigm for the study of sex differences in language and cognition.
Sabra L. Klein
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195311587
- eISBN:
- 9780199865048
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311587.003.0017
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This chapter begins with a discussion of sex differences in death rates and disease susceptibility. It then discusses sex differences in infectious diseases, covering susceptibility to viruses, ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of sex differences in death rates and disease susceptibility. It then discusses sex differences in infectious diseases, covering susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This is followed by discussion of sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immunological differences between the sexes, sex steroid-immune interactions, and the influence of genetic factors on sex differences in disease susceptibility. The sexes differ in their responses to infectious and autoimmune diseases. The intensity and prevalence of infectious diseases typically are higher in males than females; conversely, the prevalence and severity of autoimmune diseases are greater in females than males. Endocrine-immune interactions play a fundamental role mediating responses to diseases. Because sex steroid concentrations differ dramatically between the sexes, to date, most studies have focused on characterizing the role of sex steroids as mediators of sex differences in immune function.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of sex differences in death rates and disease susceptibility. It then discusses sex differences in infectious diseases, covering susceptibility to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This is followed by discussion of sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immunological differences between the sexes, sex steroid-immune interactions, and the influence of genetic factors on sex differences in disease susceptibility. The sexes differ in their responses to infectious and autoimmune diseases. The intensity and prevalence of infectious diseases typically are higher in males than females; conversely, the prevalence and severity of autoimmune diseases are greater in females than males. Endocrine-immune interactions play a fundamental role mediating responses to diseases. Because sex steroid concentrations differ dramatically between the sexes, to date, most studies have focused on characterizing the role of sex steroids as mediators of sex differences in immune function.
Martha H. Verbrugge
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195168792
- eISBN:
- 9780199949649
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195168792.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century, American History: 19th Century
This book examines the philosophies, experiences, and instructional programs of white and black female physical educators who taught in public schools and diverse colleges and universities, including ...
More
This book examines the philosophies, experiences, and instructional programs of white and black female physical educators who taught in public schools and diverse colleges and universities, including coed and single-sex, public and private, and predominantly white or black institutions. Working primarily with female students, women physical educators had to consider what an active female could and should do compared to an active male. Applying concepts of sex differences, they debated the implications of female anatomy, physiology, reproductive functions, and psychosocial traits for achieving gender parity in the gym. Teachers’ interpretations were contingent on where they worked and whom they taught. They also responded to broad historical conditions, including developments in American feminism, law, and education, society’s changing attitudes about gender, race, and sexuality, and scientific controversies over sex differences and the relative weight of nature versus nurture. While deliberating fairness for female students, white and black women physical educators also pursued equity for themselves, as their workplaces and nascent profession often marginalized female and minority personnel. Questions of difference and equity divided the field throughout the twentieth century; while some women teachers favored moderate views and incremental change, others promoted justice for their students and themselves by exerting authority at their schools, critiquing traditional concepts of “difference,” and devising innovative curricula. Drawing on extensive archival research, this book sheds new light on physical education’s application of scientific ideas, the politics of gender, race, and sexuality in the domain of active bodies, and the enduring complexities of difference and equity in American culture.Less
This book examines the philosophies, experiences, and instructional programs of white and black female physical educators who taught in public schools and diverse colleges and universities, including coed and single-sex, public and private, and predominantly white or black institutions. Working primarily with female students, women physical educators had to consider what an active female could and should do compared to an active male. Applying concepts of sex differences, they debated the implications of female anatomy, physiology, reproductive functions, and psychosocial traits for achieving gender parity in the gym. Teachers’ interpretations were contingent on where they worked and whom they taught. They also responded to broad historical conditions, including developments in American feminism, law, and education, society’s changing attitudes about gender, race, and sexuality, and scientific controversies over sex differences and the relative weight of nature versus nurture. While deliberating fairness for female students, white and black women physical educators also pursued equity for themselves, as their workplaces and nascent profession often marginalized female and minority personnel. Questions of difference and equity divided the field throughout the twentieth century; while some women teachers favored moderate views and incremental change, others promoted justice for their students and themselves by exerting authority at their schools, critiquing traditional concepts of “difference,” and devising innovative curricula. Drawing on extensive archival research, this book sheds new light on physical education’s application of scientific ideas, the politics of gender, race, and sexuality in the domain of active bodies, and the enduring complexities of difference and equity in American culture.
Martha H. Verbrugge
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780195168792
- eISBN:
- 9780199949649
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195168792.003.0002
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century, American History: 19th Century
Chapter 2 examines how female physical educators (primarily white teachers) conceptualized active womanhood: How did female bodies resemble and/or differ from male anatomy, physiology, and physical ...
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Chapter 2 examines how female physical educators (primarily white teachers) conceptualized active womanhood: How did female bodies resemble and/or differ from male anatomy, physiology, and physical aptitude? Were women’s and men’s psychosocial traits similar and/or divergent? What did sex differences imply for female exercise, recreation, and sports? Answering these questions proved difficult as American notions of fitness and femininity changed, scientific debates over human differences intensified, and professional physical educators sought social legitimacy between the 1890s and 1940s. White gym teachers fashioned complicated views that sustained the value of their profession, affirmed bourgeois whiteness and heterosexual femininity, justified both sex segregation and gender equity in the gym, and left room for new ideas about active womanhood.Less
Chapter 2 examines how female physical educators (primarily white teachers) conceptualized active womanhood: How did female bodies resemble and/or differ from male anatomy, physiology, and physical aptitude? Were women’s and men’s psychosocial traits similar and/or divergent? What did sex differences imply for female exercise, recreation, and sports? Answering these questions proved difficult as American notions of fitness and femininity changed, scientific debates over human differences intensified, and professional physical educators sought social legitimacy between the 1890s and 1940s. White gym teachers fashioned complicated views that sustained the value of their profession, affirmed bourgeois whiteness and heterosexual femininity, justified both sex segregation and gender equity in the gym, and left room for new ideas about active womanhood.
