11.2.11

Gender Incongruence

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Gender Incongruence

Gender incongruence can arise from biological factors and social or cultural influences.

Gender incongruence

Gender incongruence

  • Gender incongruence is when a person’s experienced or expressed gender does not align with the biological sex they were assigned at birth.
Biological explanations

Biological explanations

  • Chromosomes and hormones influence the development of biological sex.
  • Variations in sex development (e.g., Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome) can affect physical characteristics and sex-typical behaviours.
  • Biological factors may contribute to feelings of gender incongruence.
Social and cultural explanations

Social and cultural explanations

  • Social and cultural environments shape gender identity and expression.
  • Influences include family, peers, media, and wider cultural norms.
  • Children may observe, imitate, and be reinforced for behaviours culturally associated with a gender role.
  • Gender incongruence is multifactorial, with both biological and social/cultural factors contributing.
Case Study: Alex

Case Study: Alex

  • Biological factors: Alex has XY chromosomes but was born with partial androgen insensitivity (PAIS), affecting genital development.
  • Social factors: Alex’s family and school encourage exploration of activities and clothing typically associated with girls.
  • Outcome: Alex identifies as a gender different from assigned sex at birth.
  • Both biological differences and social/cultural influences contribute to gender incongruence.
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Social Influence

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Memory

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Attachment

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(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

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