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PubMed1976

Monoaminergic mediation of masculine and feminine copulatory behavior in female rats.

Ovariectomized rats treated with testosterone propionate (TP; 100 mug/kg X 6 days) and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; 100 mg/kg X 3 days), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, showed more masculine copulatory behavior (including the ejaculatory pattern) than did females receiving either TP or pCPA alone. The facilitatory effect of pCPA on the masculine copulatory behavior in females was not potentiated by pargyline (50 or 100 mg/kg), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; instead, pargyline antagonized the effect of pCPA. Apomorphine (100 mug/kg), a dopamine receptor stimulant, did not increase masculine copulatory behavior in TP treated females. Adopaminergic facilitatory effect was therefore not demonstrated. These results suggest a serotonin-mediated inhibition of masculine copulatory behavior in female rats. When feminine copulatory behavior was tested, females receiving TP plus pCPA plus pargyline, TP plus pargyline, or TP plus apomorphine displayed lordosis in response to mounting by male rats. Lordosis did not occur after administration of TP, PCPA, or pargyline, individually or in any other combination. The responses in pargyline groups are consistent with the hypothesis of a noradrenergic facilitatory system for lordotic behavior. The responses in the apomorphine group are discussed in terms of a possible role for low level dopaminergic stimulation in facilitating lordosis.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed2006

Pathways of endocrine disruption during male sexual differentiation and masculinization.

After testis formation, further development of a male phenotype (masculinization) is driven by three hormones from the foetal testis: anti-Müllerian hormone, insulin-like factor 3, and testosterone. These hormones divert the development of reproductive and other organs from female to male and also play a role in testis development. The hormone dependence of masculinization renders this process inherently susceptible to disruption by factors that interfere with hormone production, bioavailability, metabolism, or action. This susceptibility is illustrated by the high prevalence of congenital masculinization disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias) and disorders in young adult men (low sperm counts, testis cancer), which may also stem from maldevelopment (dysgenesis) of the foetal testis. Testicular dysgenesis occurring in humans, or which is induced in animal models by foetal exposure to certain phthalates, is associated with impaired hormone production by the foetal testis. There is currently no definitive evidence that exposure of humans to environmental chemicals can induce testicular dysgenesis and/or impair masculinization, though pathways via which this could potentially occur are established.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Estrogens counteract the masculinizing effect of tributyltin in zebrafish.

Recently, it has been demonstrated that the biocide tributyltin (TBT) can interfere with fish sex differentiation, leading to a bias of sex toward males. On the contrary, it is well known that estrogenic compounds can induce fish feminization. Yet, the combined effects of mixtures of androgenic and estrogenic compounds on fish sex differentiation have never been investigated before, even though in the environment animals are frequently exposed to both groups of xenobiotics. Therefore, in order to investigate whether exposure to estrogenic compounds can block the masculinizing effect of TBT, 5 days post-fertilization zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae were exposed for a four month period to TBT and to the synthetic estrogen-ethinylestradiol (EE2). The fish were fed a diet containing TBT at nominal concentrations of 25 and 100 ng TBT/g, and two groups of animals were also dosed with TBT plus EE2 at nominal water concentration of 3.5 ng/L, using a flow-through design. As expected, fish exposed to TBT showed a bias of sex toward males (62.5% males in control tanks and 86% and 82% in TBT 25 and TBT 100 ng TBT/g, respectively). Co-exposure to EE2 completely blocked the masculinizing effect of TBT, with 7% males in the TBT 25 ng/g + EE2 treatment and 0% in the EE2 alone and in the TBT 100 ng/ + EE2 exposed groups. These results clearly indicate that EE2, at environmentally relevant concentrations, can block the TBT masculinizing effects in zebrafish, which suggests that in the aquatic environment the presence of estrogens may neutralize the fish masculinizing effect of TBT. Our findings highlight the need of testing the combined effects of contaminants, as single exposure studies may not be sufficient to predict the effects of mixtures of xenobiotics with antagonistic properties.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Pituitary-gonadal axis and secondary sex characters in the spontaneously masculinized pintail, Anas acuta (Anatidae, Aves), with special regard to the gonadotrophs.

This paper describes some aspects of the pituitary gland, gonads, and secondary sex characters of unusual pintails, Anas acuta, found in the wild. They were demonstrated to be females with partially masculinized plumage; i.e., their plumage showed various degrees of intersex, but the genital organs, syrinx, and electrophoretic pattern of sex-specific DNA were of the female type. Their left ovary underwent a marked involution and was associated with the mesonephros (the Wolffian body), as was the degenerated right ovary. Neither testicular tissue nor ovotestis was found in the gonad of either side. The oviduct was anatomically normal and comparable to that of the control adult. The plasma concentration of estradiol-17beta (E2) was shown to be 5.7+/-0.5 (mean+/-SE)pg/ml in the masculinized birds, 7.0+/-0.7 pg/ml in control males, and 22.5+/-6.1 pg/ml in control females, whereas plasma testosterone (T) was below the detection level in all of the samples. As to the pituitary gland, hypertrophy and/or deformity of the pars distalis was evident in the majority of the masculinized birds. Among others, hyperactive gonadotrophs, mainly luteinizing hormone (LH)- and LH/follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-immunoreactive cells, were prominent in the entire gland; and typical signet ring cells (castration cells) or giant gonadotrophs were frequently observed. These changes in the gonadotrophs may have been caused by a feedback response to the physiologically ovariectomized condition in the masculinized birds. Causal factor(s) of the ovarian degeneration remain to be further investigated.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Masculinity-femininity as a national characteristic and its relationship with national agoraphobic fear levels: Fodor's sex role hypothesis revitalized.

Hofstede's dimension of national culture termed Masculinity-Femininity [. Cultures and organizations: software of the mind. London: McGraw-Hill] is proposed to be of relevance for understanding national-level differences in self-assessed agoraphobic fears. This prediction is based on the classical work of Fodor [. In: V. Franks & V. Burtle (Eds.), Women in therapy: new psychotherapies for a changing society. New York: Brunner/Mazel]. A unique data set comprising 11 countries (total N=5491 students) provided the opportunity of scrutinizing this issue. It was hypothesized and found that national Masculinity (the degree to which cultures delineate sex roles, with masculine or tough societies making clearer differentiations between the sexes than feminine or modest societies do) would correlate positively with national agoraphobic fear levels (as assessed with the Fear Survey Schedule-III). Following the correction for sex and age differences across national samples, a significant and large effect-sized national-level (ecological) r=+0.67 (P=0.01) was found. A highly feminine society such as Sweden had the lowest, whereas the champion among the masculine societies, Japan, had the highest national Agoraphobic fear score.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1985

Masculinity, femininity, type A behavior, and psychosocial adjustment in medical students.

The freshman class of a midwestern medical school completed measures of masculinity and femininity, Type A behavior, and a variety of dependent variables concerning psychological well-being, adjustment, and interpersonal satisfaction. Appropriate statistical treatment of the data revealed strong and consistent masculinity effects on neuroticism, depression, self-esteem, confidence, hedonic capacity, locus of control, and relationship satisfaction. Femininity main effects varied in number as a function of the statistical method employed and involved a more diverse group of variables than is typically reported. Additive androgyny formulations of mental health were supported; balance androgyny formulations were not. No evidence for a Type A X Masculinity effect on adjustment was found. Discussion focuses on the correct interpretation of masculinity and femininity scales, comparability of analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple regression statistical analyses, and the viability of the concept of androgyny.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Masculine girls and feminine boys: genetic and environmental contributions to atypical gender development in early childhood.

In this genetic study of atypical gender role development, parents of 5,799 twin pairs, ages 3 and 4, rated their twin children's masculinity and femininity. Boys were selected as gender atypical if they were highly feminine (top 5%, 10%, or 15%) relative to other boys, and girls were selected if they were highly masculine relative to other girls. Gender-atypical boys and girls were each divided into 2 groups: fully gender atypical (e.g., feminine boys also low on masculinity) and partially gender atypical (e.g., feminine boys who are not low on masculinity). DeFries-Fulker (DF; J. C. DeFries & D. W. Fulker, 1985, 1988) extremes analysis yielded moderate group heritability and substantial shared environment effects for atypical gender role behavior. However, for fully gender-atypical girls, group heritability accounted for most of the variance, and shared environment had no effect. The results are discussed in light of past studies and potential implications for atypical gender development.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1975

Ratings of self and peers on sex role attributes and their relation to self-esteem and conceptions of masculinity and femininity.

Male (N = 248) and female (N = 282) subjects were given the Personal Attributes Questionnaire consisting of 55 bipolar attributes drawn from the Sex Role Stereotype Questionnaire by Rosenkrantz, Vogel, Bee, Broverman, and Broverman and were asked to rate themselves and then to compare directly the typical male and female college student. Self-ratings were divided into male-valued (stereotypically masculine attributes judged more desirable for both sexes), female-valued, and sex-specific items. Also administered was the Attitudes Toward Women Scale and a measure of social self-esteem. Correlations of the self-ratings with stereotype scores and the Attitudes Toward Women Scale were low in magnitude, suggesting that sex role expectations do not distort self-concepts. For both men and women, "femininity" on the female-valued self items and "masculinity" on the male-valued items were positively correlated, and both significantly related to self-esteem. The implications of the results for a concept of masculinity and femininity as a duality, characteristic of all individuals, and the use of the self-rating scales for measuring masculinity, femininity, and androgyny were discussed.

Attitude↗
PubMed1993

Evidence that the M1 muscarinic receptor subtype mediates the effects of oxotremorine on masculine sexual behavior.

The cholinergic system participates in the regulation of masculine sexual behavior, mainly through the muscarinic system. Recently, muscarinic receptors have been subdivided into at least two subtypes, M1 and M2, according to their differential affinity for pirenzepine. In this study, we analyzed the possible participation of the M1 muscarinic receptor subtype on masculine sexual behavior regulation. In the first experiment, trihexyphenidyl, a specific M1 antagonist, was administered to experienced adult male rats in a wide range of doses (from 0.1 to 6.4 mg/kg). No modification was observed in any of the male sexual behavior parameters recorded, with the exception of the highest dose at which an increase of the intromission frequency and a decrease of the ejaculation frequency were observed. In the second experiment, trihexyphenidyl was administered in several doses (from 0.2 to 1.6 mg/kg), before the administration of oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist, at a dose that readily facilitates masculine sexual behavior. Trihexyphenidyl completely prevented the facilitatory effects of oxotremorine even at the smallest dose used. These results strongly suggest that the M1 muscarinic receptor subtype participates in the cholinergic facilitation of masculine sexual behavior.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Sex differences, social desirability, masculinity, and the tendency to worry.

Relationships between worry and sex differences, social desirability, masculinity, and femininity were explored in this study. Data were obtained from 141 undergraduates who answered a questionnaire containing a worry scale, the Crowne-Marlowe (1964) Social Desirability Scale, the Bem (1974) Sex Role Inventory, the Trait Anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Spielberger, Gorsuch, & Lushene, 1970), and several demographic items. Women reported significantly higher levels of worry than men did, and worry was significantly correlated with lower social desirability and with lower masculinity but not with femininity. However, multiple regression strategies revealed that sex differences in reported worry cannot be accounted for solely by variations in social desirability and masculinity. Also, sex differences in the tendency to worry were not eliminated by statistically controlling for trait anxiety, social desirability, and masculinity simultaneously.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Gender traits and identities in a "masculine" organization: the Israeli police force.

Gender and occupational identities were examined within the Israeli police force, a stereotypically masculine organization. The principal hypothesis was that women in this organizational setting did not reject their gender identity. Rather, they self-attributed more traditionally masculine traits in addition to their feminine traits. This was especially so among women going through particularly intense occupational and organizational socialization needed for field jobs. The findings only partially confirmed the hypothesis. Most women in the sample considered themselves to be highly feminine, even though they self-attributed masculine traits. Although the women, like their male colleagues, ranked occupational identity higher than gender identity, their feminine identity (usually in contrast with the masculine organizational context) was not repressed and their gender identity was as strong as that of the men.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Gender schema and prostate cancer: veterans' cultural model of masculinity.

Coming to terms with disease, chronic illness, and aging may be challenging for men who adhere to an inflexible gender schema. In this study of elder U.S. veterans' ideas about masculinity, we find that prostate cancer patients reaffirm a strongly moral normalizing discourse about "being a man" yet tend to separate roles and values from male physical and sexual attributes. Using systematic data collection methods taken from cognitive anthropology, we map veterans' schema of masculinity and examine the relative importance that cancer patients and non-patients give to gender attributes. The results demonstrate the complementarity between cognitive and narrative approaches in medical anthropology. This research also suggests the hypotheses that (1) coming to terms with iatrogenesis may involve a subtle reformulation of masculinity and that (2) men with a fixed view of masculinity may have worse health outcomes than do those who accept the changes accompanying their treatment for prostate cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2006

Masculinity, male development, gender, and identity: modern and postmodern meanings.

Modern and postmodern scholars are addressing the crisis in masculinity by questioning the meaning of masculinity and by rethinking masculinity, male development, gender, and identity. This article explicates current modern humanist positions and postmodern positions on these topics. The first section summarizes contemporary theories advanced by scholars in the relatively new discipline of men's studies. The second section presents postmodern positions exploring sex as a biological given, the emerging critiques of differentiating sex and gender, and poststructural psychoanalytic positions on simultaneous production of individual subjectivity (sense of self), masculine identity, and society. Implications of these perspectives are identified.

Gender Identity↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Remaking the masculine self and coping in the liminal world of the gay 'scene'.

This paper investigates social transitions, constructions of masculinity and coping among men in commercialized gay spaces, such as nightclubs and dance parties ('the gay scene'). The findings are derived from two qualitative studies involving individual samples of 24 and 12 younger (aged 19 to 36) same-sex attracted men living in Melbourne, Australia. The analysis recasts 'coming out' into the gay scene as a passage into a 'new world' and a 'new self'. On the scene, notions of selfhood are challenged and men enter various states of liminality as they (re)construct themselves. New ways of performing the self can be tried on through ritualized behaviours, including performing various masculinities. While successful performances of masculinity can promote social acceptance, those who express less valued forms of masculinity can struggle harder. Internalized homophobia influences rituals on the scene, and men reported feeling like perpetual outsiders, regardless of the success of their performances. The emotional dangers to selfhood lurking in performance and ritual are explored, as well as the ways that men find to prevail. Invariably, liminality ends, and the men who do well approach themselves, the rituals and the performances with insight.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Homologs of the Caenorhabditis elegans masculinizing gene her-1 in C. briggsae and the filarial parasite Brugia malayi.

The masculinizing gene her-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans (Ce-her-1) encodes a novel protein, HER-1A, which is required for male development. To identify conserved elements in her-1 we have cloned and characterized two homologous nematode genes: one by synteny from the closely related free-living species C. briggsae (Cb-her-1) and the other, starting with a fortuitously identified expressed sequence tag, from the distantly related parasite Brugia malayi (Bm-her-1). The overall sequence identities of the predicted gene products with Ce-HER-1A are only 57% for Cb-HER-1, which is considerably lower than has been found for most homologous briggsae genes, and 35% for Bm-HER-1. However, conserved residues are found throughout both proteins, and like Ce-HER-1A, both have putative N-terminal signal sequences. Ce-her-1 produces a larger masculinizing transcript (her-1a) and a smaller transcript of unknown function (her-1b); both are present essentially only in males. By contrast, Cb-her-1 appears to produce only one transcript, corresponding to her-1a; it is enriched in males but present also in hermaphrodites. Injection of dsRNA transcribed from Cb-her-1 into C. briggsae hermaphrodites (RNA interference) caused XO animals to develop into partially fertile hermaphrodites. Introducing a Cb-her-1 construct as a transgene under control of the C. elegans unc-54 myosin heavy chain promoter caused strong masculinization of both C. briggsae and C. elegans hermaphrodites. Introduction of a similar Bm-her-1 construct into C. elegans caused only very weak, if any, masculinization. We conclude that in spite of considerable divergence the Cb gene is likely to be a functional ortholog of Ce-her-1, while the function of the distantly related Bm gene remains uncertain.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

'If I let a goal in, I'll get beat up': contradictions in masculinity, sport and health.

This paper presents a critical exploration of the relationship between masculinity, sport and health by reporting findings from a wider qualitative study on lay men's and health professionals' beliefs about masculinity and preventative health care. Recent years have seen a surge of interest in relation to 'men's health'. In particular, the Department of Health has highlighted how men's connection to sport, fitness and competitiveness can be used in health promotion initiatives to introduce facets of health. In contrast, work in the sociological and feminist literature has raised issues of concern about the relationship between men, masculinity and sport, particularly the links to aggression, misogyny and homophobia. It would appear then that a straightforward 'men + sport = health' relationship cannot be assumed. Focus groups and interviews with health professionals and men, including gay and disabled men, were undertaken to facilitate examination of the socially integrative meanings of sport and masculinity, and their relationship to health. Socializing, 'macho' culture and the body emerged as three main themes, and the implications of these empirical findings for health promotion are discussed.

Anecdotes as Topic↗
PubMed1980

Masculinity, femininity, academic performance, and health: further evidence concerning the androgyny controversy.

Spence and Helmreich's (1978) claim that individual differences in four components of achievement motivation (mastery, work, competitiveness, and personal unconcern) are attributable to masculinity and femininity rather than to gender was generally supported, with one exception: Masculinity was associated with competitiveness for males but not for females. Furthermore, competitive women were more likely than noncompetitive women to have mental and physical health problems, but there was no such difference for males. In general, masculinity emerged as a beneficial constellation of traits for both males and females, correlating negatively with achievement conflicts and stress symptoms, and positively with mastery and work. Femininity, on the other hand, appeared to be a detrimental cluster of traits for both sexes, at least in terms of academic performance and health. Implications for the controversial concept of androgyny were discussed, and it was suggested that, in the future, research inspired by an ideal conception of adult behavior confront the ideal directly rather than describe it in terms of the traditional concepts of masculinity and femininity. Any such research effort will have to deal with the pivotal role of competitiveness.

Achievement↗
PubMed1998

Commonalities, conflicts and contradictions in organizational masculinities; exploring the gendered genesis of the Challenger disaster.

The events surrounding the 1986 decision to launch the Space Shuttle Challenger are reconstructed to illustrate how multiple masculinities, particularly between and among managers and engineers, contributed to that organizational crisis. An analysis of gendered power relations--especially among men--reveals how the construction of particular forms of "masculinities," and the ways in which they are reproduced, rationalized or resisted, vary as a result of contextual changes. Commonalities and differences among these masculinities are discussed. We close by exploring possible contradictions in the construction of organizational masculinities and their implications for organizational practice.

Accidents, Aviation↗