Date of Award
Winter 1-28-1977
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Anthropology
First Advisor
Francis P. Conant
Second Advisor
Wendy McKenna
Abstract
This study introduces factors in the post-pubertal change of gender role in a group of male pseudohermaphrodites in the Dominican Republic. The individuals grow up as girls because of ambiguous genitalia at birth. Upon the onset of puberty, with development of scrotum and phallus, they generally select adult male models to emulate as their future role behavior. The essay describes the socio-cultural setting in which the children are raised and proposes a theory that differential socialization of boys and girls and adult access to resources are contributing elements in the decisions to switch gender roles. At the time of the 1975 study, the prevailing thought was that gender role/identity was acquired and fixed at an early age.
Recommended Citation
Mallea, Sara V., "Gender Role of Male Pseudohermaphrodites in the Dominican Republic" (1977). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/839