Often times when an individual hears the word “sex” and simple meaning comes to mind with one basic definition. However, in reality the term “sex” has so many relative meanings and is a large basis for a variety of aspects of society, it’s history and its progression. The term sex refers to not only an individual’s gender, but also how they view themselves and how they view others. Many aspects including genes, hormones and functions of the brain combined with environment interactions affect and impact the sex of an individual. Each of these aspects are specifically discussed in Lisa Wade’s article “The New Science of Sex Difference.” In her article Wade describes that not only are men and women extremely similar, but they also are an inaccurate way to describe the sexes of the world’s population. Through her article “The New Science of Sex Difference” Lisa Wade describes the true variety and complexity of “Sex” and why simply two genders are not enough to satisfy its diversity.
Typically, when an individual is to describe themselves, including sexuality, his or her genes play a major role. Wade recognizes this by beginning her article with the genetic input on sex, purposefully splitting its role up into three unique roles of sex-linked, sex-limited and sex-influenced. Sex- linked traits explain traits that occur because of the fact that women have a chromosome of XX, while men have XY. While the difference in two X chromosomes and an X and Y chromosome may seem significant, it is proven that the Y chromosome plays little role, other than “give XY fetuses and facilitate the adult male’s fertility” (Wade 23). Technically an individual only needs one X chromosome to live, this is why men and women both have at least one X chromosome. However, women have two X chromosomes that allows them to have a backup in the scenario that “if one fails the other mediates or eliminates the negative effect” (Wade 23). On the other hand sex-limited genes are, “genes that are only expressed in the male or female body” (Wade 23). For example, both women and men both have genes governing lactation. However the gene is usually only functioning in women having children. Lastly, sex-influenced genes play unique roles in both the male and female body. These are the same or similar genes in both the male and female body that react differently in each gender. For example both women and men have the same gene that produces a voice, however the gene reacts one in the male body giving them a deep voice, and on the other hand giving women a higher pitched voice.
Similarly, when it comes to men and women both genders hormones are very similar. While often times the two sexes are thought to have polar opposite characteristics and personalities the hormonal components are strangely alike. According to Wade “Men tend to have higher levels of androgens and women higher levels of estrogens” (Wade 25). These influences of hormones are often divided into organizational and activational implementations. An organizational effect is an effect that happens toward the starts of an individual’s life, normally quickly after ones birth. These instances are normally much more intense and long lasting than the activational effects of hormones. On the other hand activational effects “occur throughout life, producing changes that often last so long as the hormone is present” (Wade 25). One common instance of this includes the act of an adrenaline rush. When a burst of hormones can physically and mentally alter ones character, allowing them to do unnatural acts. Often times these hormones are blamed for stereotypes surrounding each gender, when most likely it’s events in our lives that shape us.
Lastly, the human brain which is often thought to be a large contributor to sex differences, has been proven otherwise. When it comes down to the physical anatomy and layout of the female and male brain, there are very few differences. There are three classifications of differences that have been acknowledged and recognized by scientists. The first classification is the size and shape of its make up. Women have smaller bodies and therefore also smaller brains proportionally. The characteristics of the tissue are also slightly different in men and women, in that “men and women have different ratios of white matter … to gray matter..in some regions” (Wade 27). And lastly their functions, including metabolism of glucose are thought to differ. However, while some people believe that males and females use a specific side of their brain over the other, these studies prove that both females and males use their whole brain equally. These studies prove that men and women physical brains are very similar, and that ones brain cannot be used as a reason for a way of specific thinking. Instead, other aspects such as brain plasticity are better thought to explain these thoughts.
Overall, sex is a term that is extremely restricted by societies choice of use. In reality “sex” stands for a much larger aspect of the human life and body. Wade proves that sex itself is much larger than simply the male and female, and that there are much more components to it. Each individuals genes, hormones and functions of the brain make them unique and should not be placed directly under one of the two classified genders. Through her research and studies Wade proves that women and men are truly very similar and share many of the same components, therefore proving the true impact of our unique environments.