Perhaps the most important hormones influencing gender expression are androgens, a class of steroid hormones. Androgens, including testoterone, are produced in every person regardless of sex. High levels of androgens are responsible for the development of internal and external genetalia for males during prenatal development. An absense of high levels of these hormones leads to the development of internal and external genetalia for females.

In addition to influencing prenatal development, androgens have activating influences on the brain and body. Hormones fluctuate depending on factors such as emotions, experiences, and perceived danger. These factors are subjective, and therefore vary depending on one's gender role, associated stereotypes, and life experiences.

Hormonal Influences on Gender Development

Typically, genetic females have XX chromosomes, while genetic males have XY chromosomes. Despite this difference in genetic make-up, there has been no research with humans confirming the influence of genes on behavioral differences between males and females.

Individuals who have sex chromosomes that deviate from typical chromosomal development are intersex. Intersex people are individuals who were born with external or internal gentalia different from their genetic sex, both genetic sexes, or develop partial external or internal genetalia asscociated with their genetic sex. Some intersex conditions have been linked to gender-typed behaviors. For example, genetic males born with Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) tend to prefer stereotypically feminine interests.

Genetic Influences on Gender Development

Another way children develop their sense of gender identity is by observing the behavior of others, inferencing what behaviors and actions belong to gender group, and exhibiting gendered actions themselves.

Cognitive/Motivational Influences on Gender Development

Gender development depends both on nature and nurture. The biological influence of gender relies heavily on neuroscience, such as the make-up of genes, hormones, and brain structure. Biology is an integral part of how individuals develop their gender identity and also provides explanations for some gender differences. 

University of California, Santa Cruz

Research supports multiple theoretical approaches to how gender develops:

- Biological Influences
- Cognitive-motivational Influences
- Cultural Influences

Theories of Gender Development

Leaper, C. (2019). Gender Development [Review of Gender Development]. In How Children Develop (pp. 526–566). Worth Publishers.

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