A recent brain-imaging study of young adolescents has shown that sex and gender are represented differently in the brain. The findings from this study, published in Science Advances, highlight the importance of distinguishing between sex and gender in neuroscience research.
Sex is primarily determined by biological factors such as chromosomes, genes, and hormones, while gender is shaped by cultural ideas and societal expectations. However, these concepts are often conflated in research, leading to misconceptions about differences in the brains of individuals based on their assigned sex at birth.
Neuroscientist Elvisha Dhamala emphasized the need to consider both sex and gender separately to gain a better understanding of the brain. By ignoring the social impact of gender, researchers may overlook important factors that influence brain development and function.
The study analyzed brain scan data from over 4,700 children aged nine or 10 years old. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers identified distinct brain networks associated with sex and gender differences. Machine-learning models were employed to predict participants’ sex based on brain scans with 77 percent accuracy.
Interestingly, the study revealed that while there was some overlap between brain networks associated with sex and gender, they were largely different from each other. Networks unique to sex included well-defined regions like the visual and motor networks, while gender-related networks were more dispersed throughout the brain.
Neuroscientist Lara M. Wierenga noted that these findings are significant as they demonstrate how gender expectations can influence brain wiring. Understanding these differences is crucial for addressing psychiatric disorders that may manifest differently across the gender spectrum.
Future research will involve tracking the brain development of the same group of children as they age into adolescence and adulthood. By examining how gender and sex impact brain networks over time, researchers hope to gain a deeper understanding of brain-based differences throughout life.
Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering both sex and gender in neuroscience research to unravel the complexities of brain development and function. By recognizing the influence of social factors on brain wiring, researchers can pave the way for more nuanced investigations into the relationship between sex, gender, and the brain.