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Nature or Nurture

The Case of the Boy Who Became a Girl

By Keith K. Schillo

Nature or Nurture


 

Abstract

This case explores the question of whether gender identity is determined strictly by genetics (nature) or social variables (nurture).  It is based on a true story about a man who was raised as a girl and later rejected the female gender identity.  The case is designed to help students think scientifically about sex and gender and introduce them to the concept of sexual differentiation. Although developed for an undergraduate course in human anatomy and physiology as an introduction to discussions of the reproductive system, it could be used in a general biology course as a way of giving students practice with critical analysis and making predictions based on theories as well as in a developmental biology course as a way to apply information from animal models to human sex and sexuality.

   

Date Posted

11/16/2011

Overview

Objectives

  • To present a fundamental "nature versus nurture" controversy.
  • To raise deep questions about sex and gender.
  • To provoke critical analysis of an important issue in sex research.
  • To introduce students to the concept of sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior.

Keywords

Gender; gender identity; sex; sexual differentiation; gender reassignment; David Reimer; Bruce Reimer; John Money

  

Subject Headings

Anthropology
Biology (General)
Developmental Biology
Genetics / Heredity
Neuroscience
Physiology
Psychology
Sociology

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Graduate, Professional (degree program), Clinical education

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, History of science, Scientific method, Social issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Analysis (Issues), Directed, Discussion

 

 

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