Is There Really A Continuum of Human Gender?
Along side the debate over human cloning is another equally contraversial area of research. Scientists all over the United States are wanting to do more research in the field of Behavioral Endocrinology. A related area to this, and the most hotly contested area of research, concerns the role of nature vs. nurture in the differentiation and development of human gender and sexuality. In other words, How sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone...etc) affect the development or expression of gender specific (male vs. female) characteristics and behavior in humans. Very few of these experiments can be done ethically on humans themselves. This is because of the "GIGANTIC" influence which these hormones exhibit over multiple system masculinization and feminization. These hormones determine internal and external genitalia, the ability to produce viable sperm and eggs, and the development of some masculine and feminine brain areas; just to mention a few (not including any behavioral effects). Any significant manipulation of these hormones can result in drastic changes to any one of these very important aspects of Human sexuality. For example, If a female fetus were to be exposed to significant levels of testosterone during a critical period in-utero the fetus could develop masculinization of some neural nucleii. Thus leading to a genetic female (XX) with an inability to bear children due to failed development of the neural "surge-center." Because scientists cannot directly test their hypotheses through human experimentation, they must rely upon the study of patients that have been born with diseases or defects.
There has been a fringe movement among behavioral neuroscientists and behavioral Endocrinologists whom, upon examination of these patients, have called into question the traditional view that the human species is limited to two genders (male and female). They have actually suggested that there is a continuum of human gender. From male-----to some number of intermediates-----to female. This theory has had many proponents, a large proportion of whom are among the homosexual population. Feminism, with its blurring of gender specific roles, has prepared our society to buy into this theory and it is beginning to prove persuasive to many (especially non-scientific) groups around the world. Mainstream science is, however, beginning to be affected by these claims and there has been a willingness on the part of some to accept the "possiblility" of a Gender Continuum. Listen to how a modern medical text on Human Endocrinology defines male gender;
"1) Chromosomal Composition and structure (the inclusion of a Y chromosome among the sex chromosomes)
2) gonads that are functionally and structurally testes
3) tonic (constant) androgen production in adequate amounts
4) external and internal genitalia that are appropriate for a male
5) rearing as a male
6) acceptance of a male role
Thus, the male sexual Identity is the summation of the four genetically determined organic charicteristics (1-4) as well as the two psycological characteristics (5 and 6)."
The logical extrapolation from this assessment is that an individual who does not exhibit one or more of these traits could not be classified as a "true male"- but rather something else. This is only one example of the trend which is invading this area of medical research. There is a real reason that this view is on the fringe of the science community. This reason is that there is really no evidence to scientifically support this theory unless you minimize the far-reaching and diffuse differences between males and females, and begin to call diseases "trials of nature" or really to call individuals "healthy" when it is clear that they are "sick" (in the medical sense). In the following discussion I will examine the "evidence" used by proponents of the "Continuum Theory" and show why this theory of human gender fails to accurately represent the facts.
Polysomal Mutations are "DISORDERS" and are "NOT" normal:
Many of the "sexual variants," used by supporters of the "continuum" view of human gender, are produced by polysomal mutations of the sex-Chromosomes. Polysomal mutations occur due to abnormal or disjunct dissassociation of sex chromosomes durring either oogenesis (production of eggs) or spermatogenesis (production of sperm). One such example of this is Klinefelter Syndrome (Paternal Trisomy-47) which results in a genetic male having the external anatomical characteristics of a female. When this happens with other genes, scientists and doctors are quick to recognise that these occurences are abnormal and detrimental. Rarely do fetuses with a polysomal mutation actually survive to birth. Those fetuses that do, result in abnormalities, which severely limit life expectancy. There are multiple Trisomy disorders in humans, most of which cause spontaneous abortions. Trisomy-47 (Klinefelter's Syndrome) is one of the few that do not always result in unsustainable pregnancy. There is one trisomy disorder that is familiar to most of us, Trisomy-21, which results in some forms of Down's Syndrome. It is interesting that some scientists would actually suggest that this trisomy "disease" is a sign of the human gender "continuum." Maternal Trisomy-47XXX results in a disease known as "Triple X Syndrome." This syndrome is chracterized by severe mental retardation, and other mild skeletal abnormalities. It is not sound scientific inquiry for a person to arbitrarily claim support for their theory from genetic diseases.
Single gene mutations result in "Disease":
Others of these sexual variants are the result, not of a chromosomal (large collection of genes) mutation, but a mutation of single genes. AIS (Androgren Insensitivity Syndrome) is one such example. This syndrome occurs when the gene for the androgen (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, etc.) receptor is missing or contains programming errors. This leads to an individual with either an absence of the androgen receptor or, in milder cases, a mal-functioning androgen receptor. Without a properly functioning copy of this receptor, the body cannot respond appropriately to androgens. These hormones are responsible for some of the masculinization of the male brain, and most of the male body (at least on the gross anatomical scale). There are multiple other examples of single gene mutations; these mutations lead to disease. One example is when there is a deletion of Hox-4. The Hox genes are very important in the development of the hindbrain of the developing fetus. The hindbrain is called the rhombencephlon. It is devided into 8 segments known as Rhombomeres. These Rhombomeres become definite parts of the adult hindbrain (Cerebellum, Pons,Medulla, Spinal Cord). When the Hox-4 gene is absent the developing hindbrain only gets separated into 7 segments. Segments 3 and 5 fuse together and segment 4 is therefore missing. This single gene mutation has been associated with a common form of Autism. Some people may point to other single gene mutations which result in positive effects in patients who have them. The mutation whose homozygous karyotype results in Cystic Fibrosis( a severe blood disorder) also results in a limited immunity to specific types of malaria. Another such example is a single gene mutation which results in the absence of an immune molecule known as CD-40. This molecule is necessary for the Aids Virus to access human T-cells. There is a small population in South-Central Europe who lack the gene for the CD-40 molecule. These people are immune to the Aids Virus. The question could be asked, "If these mutations result in positive outcomes for those who have them why can't we consider those who lack an androgen receptor or the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme to be positive mutations rather than diseases?" The reason is that patients who suffer from these mutations also have adverse effects as a result of their presence. Those who are heterozygous for the Cystic fibrosis mutation also suffer from a much higher incidence of asthma and other mild lung infections. Those who lack the CD-40 molecule also suffer adverse consequences due to this mutation. The CD-40 molecule is an integral part of our immune systems and is involved in modulating the immune response. Those who lack the CD-40 molecule are immunocompromised and are much more susceptible to other viruses and infections which would be avoided by other healthy individuals. Simply because the presence of one disease leads to the exclusion of another disease does not mean that it is a "good" mutation, nor that it is "normal." Here is an example that will make this a little more clear. There are a number of recent studies which implicate a process known as "molecular-mimickry" in the development of many neuro-degenerative diseases, especially those whose pathology are focused on the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve cells. One such disease is MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Here is how the process works. As our bodies are introduced to various viruses, such as HPV (human papillonoma virus), our adaptive immune response becomes more and more specific for the virus over time. It does this by modifying it's repatoire of antibodies. As the concentration of these antibodies increases in the blood, they come into contact with normal tissues that have molecules on the outside of them which can look very much like a molecule on the outside of the human papillanoma virus. This is sometimes the case with protiens on the outside of nerve cells such a MBP (myelin basic protein and etc). Those cells which are marked by these antibodies are then eliminated by cytotoxic T-cells. This means that perfect healthy "self-tissues" can be targeted and distroyed by T-cells which were supposed to be killing the human papillonoma virus resulting in organ failure or tissue distruction. Diseases of this kind are known as Auto-immune diseases. This means that mutation which leads to an auto-immune disease also results in the more efficient killing of HPV. This is an example of a bad mutation resulting in a "good" effect. It should be clear that simply because there are good aspects to a disease, does not mean that it is not still properly a disease.
Male vs. Female Differences are "diffuse":
Another reason why the gender continuum fails miserably to match scientific evidence is because it gives the impression that the only differences between males and females are hormonal. There have been a number of recent studies that implicate non-hormonal genes and gene-products in the differentiation between male and female conspecifics in mammals, and extend beyond the differentiation of internal and external sexual apparatus and reproductive behavior. This has been largely apparent in the mammalian brain, where multiple neural nucleii are affected by gender specific gene products which are not hormones. This is almost totally ignored by those who wish to foist their ideas of a gender continuum upon the scientific world and the general public. It is true that there are some very surprising abnormalities resulting from genetic diseases or other toxic insults to the development of "normal" male and female characteristics. These abnormalities, however, should not be thought of as "norms" simply because it allows us to maintain our own worldview. The appropriate question arising from these sexual anomalies is not, is there a continuum of human sexuality, but rather to which of the two gender classes do they belong. In other words, are hermaphrodites, Klinefelter sufferers, and others anomalous males or anomalous females? We know from Scripture that it is one of the two, rather than some 3rd or 4th or 5th variant, "male and female He created them." The term disease applies no less to a missing or mal-shaped androgen receptor than it does to a missing or mal-shaped insulin receptor. Nor is it more appropriate to call a trisomy disorder of Chromosome-21 an illness than to give the same designation to a trisomy disorder of the sex-chromosomes. Procreation should never be implied to be the only thing which differentiates a male and a female. Rather the Scriptures speak of these difference as being much deeper and diffuse. These differences are pervasive and stem from God himself, in whose image mankind is created. They extend much further than the reproductive relationship and are woven into every aspect of life. It is certainly a scientific oversimplification, but it is also a biblical oversimplification to limit the differences between males and females to their reproductive repitoire.
Conclusion:
Why is there this dispairity between diseases that we all ( human society) see as detrimental and these sexual variants? The reason that we do not see this same type of concern with regard to androgen insensitivity and the like, is that it strikes too closely to our sin. Romans 1 calls this "supressing the truth." If science is able to prove that there is a continuum of human gender then the long held Judeo-Christian view of the Human race is false. There is not merely male and female, with their clearly defined biblical roles, but there is a continuum of genders whose responsibilities and roles are self-prescribed. If we begin to call the difference betwen males and females a "gray area," and we blame our sins of homosexuality and feminism on genetic programming rather than rebellion against the Law of God and a "perversion" of His design as seen in nature and revealed in his Word then we are led down paths toward confusion. This confusion leads to giving our own sin "Nature's stamp of approval," but spiritually, physically, and communially it creates a willful inability to help the sick. This is obvious from what Christ himself said, "the well do not need a physician, but the sick." In the same way we will be turning our back as a medical and scientific community on those who are sick by calling them "well," thereby placing them outside of the realm of help.
Along side the debate over human cloning is another equally contraversial area of research. Scientists all over the United States are wanting to do more research in the field of Behavioral Endocrinology. A related area to this, and the most hotly contested area of research, concerns the role of nature vs. nurture in the differentiation and development of human gender and sexuality. In other words, How sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone...etc) affect the development or expression of gender specific (male vs. female) characteristics and behavior in humans. Very few of these experiments can be done ethically on humans themselves. This is because of the "GIGANTIC" influence which these hormones exhibit over multiple system masculinization and feminization. These hormones determine internal and external genitalia, the ability to produce viable sperm and eggs, and the development of some masculine and feminine brain areas; just to mention a few (not including any behavioral effects). Any significant manipulation of these hormones can result in drastic changes to any one of these very important aspects of Human sexuality. For example, If a female fetus were to be exposed to significant levels of testosterone during a critical period in-utero the fetus could develop masculinization of some neural nucleii. Thus leading to a genetic female (XX) with an inability to bear children due to failed development of the neural "surge-center." Because scientists cannot directly test their hypotheses through human experimentation, they must rely upon the study of patients that have been born with diseases or defects.
There has been a fringe movement among behavioral neuroscientists and behavioral Endocrinologists whom, upon examination of these patients, have called into question the traditional view that the human species is limited to two genders (male and female). They have actually suggested that there is a continuum of human gender. From male-----to some number of intermediates-----to female. This theory has had many proponents, a large proportion of whom are among the homosexual population. Feminism, with its blurring of gender specific roles, has prepared our society to buy into this theory and it is beginning to prove persuasive to many (especially non-scientific) groups around the world. Mainstream science is, however, beginning to be affected by these claims and there has been a willingness on the part of some to accept the "possiblility" of a Gender Continuum. Listen to how a modern medical text on Human Endocrinology defines male gender;
"1) Chromosomal Composition and structure (the inclusion of a Y chromosome among the sex chromosomes)
2) gonads that are functionally and structurally testes
3) tonic (constant) androgen production in adequate amounts
4) external and internal genitalia that are appropriate for a male
5) rearing as a male
6) acceptance of a male role
Thus, the male sexual Identity is the summation of the four genetically determined organic charicteristics (1-4) as well as the two psycological characteristics (5 and 6)."
The logical extrapolation from this assessment is that an individual who does not exhibit one or more of these traits could not be classified as a "true male"- but rather something else. This is only one example of the trend which is invading this area of medical research. There is a real reason that this view is on the fringe of the science community. This reason is that there is really no evidence to scientifically support this theory unless you minimize the far-reaching and diffuse differences between males and females, and begin to call diseases "trials of nature" or really to call individuals "healthy" when it is clear that they are "sick" (in the medical sense). In the following discussion I will examine the "evidence" used by proponents of the "Continuum Theory" and show why this theory of human gender fails to accurately represent the facts.
Polysomal Mutations are "DISORDERS" and are "NOT" normal:
Many of the "sexual variants," used by supporters of the "continuum" view of human gender, are produced by polysomal mutations of the sex-Chromosomes. Polysomal mutations occur due to abnormal or disjunct dissassociation of sex chromosomes durring either oogenesis (production of eggs) or spermatogenesis (production of sperm). One such example of this is Klinefelter Syndrome (Paternal Trisomy-47) which results in a genetic male having the external anatomical characteristics of a female. When this happens with other genes, scientists and doctors are quick to recognise that these occurences are abnormal and detrimental. Rarely do fetuses with a polysomal mutation actually survive to birth. Those fetuses that do, result in abnormalities, which severely limit life expectancy. There are multiple Trisomy disorders in humans, most of which cause spontaneous abortions. Trisomy-47 (Klinefelter's Syndrome) is one of the few that do not always result in unsustainable pregnancy. There is one trisomy disorder that is familiar to most of us, Trisomy-21, which results in some forms of Down's Syndrome. It is interesting that some scientists would actually suggest that this trisomy "disease" is a sign of the human gender "continuum." Maternal Trisomy-47XXX results in a disease known as "Triple X Syndrome." This syndrome is chracterized by severe mental retardation, and other mild skeletal abnormalities. It is not sound scientific inquiry for a person to arbitrarily claim support for their theory from genetic diseases.
Single gene mutations result in "Disease":
Others of these sexual variants are the result, not of a chromosomal (large collection of genes) mutation, but a mutation of single genes. AIS (Androgren Insensitivity Syndrome) is one such example. This syndrome occurs when the gene for the androgen (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, etc.) receptor is missing or contains programming errors. This leads to an individual with either an absence of the androgen receptor or, in milder cases, a mal-functioning androgen receptor. Without a properly functioning copy of this receptor, the body cannot respond appropriately to androgens. These hormones are responsible for some of the masculinization of the male brain, and most of the male body (at least on the gross anatomical scale). There are multiple other examples of single gene mutations; these mutations lead to disease. One example is when there is a deletion of Hox-4. The Hox genes are very important in the development of the hindbrain of the developing fetus. The hindbrain is called the rhombencephlon. It is devided into 8 segments known as Rhombomeres. These Rhombomeres become definite parts of the adult hindbrain (Cerebellum, Pons,Medulla, Spinal Cord). When the Hox-4 gene is absent the developing hindbrain only gets separated into 7 segments. Segments 3 and 5 fuse together and segment 4 is therefore missing. This single gene mutation has been associated with a common form of Autism. Some people may point to other single gene mutations which result in positive effects in patients who have them. The mutation whose homozygous karyotype results in Cystic Fibrosis( a severe blood disorder) also results in a limited immunity to specific types of malaria. Another such example is a single gene mutation which results in the absence of an immune molecule known as CD-40. This molecule is necessary for the Aids Virus to access human T-cells. There is a small population in South-Central Europe who lack the gene for the CD-40 molecule. These people are immune to the Aids Virus. The question could be asked, "If these mutations result in positive outcomes for those who have them why can't we consider those who lack an androgen receptor or the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme to be positive mutations rather than diseases?" The reason is that patients who suffer from these mutations also have adverse effects as a result of their presence. Those who are heterozygous for the Cystic fibrosis mutation also suffer from a much higher incidence of asthma and other mild lung infections. Those who lack the CD-40 molecule also suffer adverse consequences due to this mutation. The CD-40 molecule is an integral part of our immune systems and is involved in modulating the immune response. Those who lack the CD-40 molecule are immunocompromised and are much more susceptible to other viruses and infections which would be avoided by other healthy individuals. Simply because the presence of one disease leads to the exclusion of another disease does not mean that it is a "good" mutation, nor that it is "normal." Here is an example that will make this a little more clear. There are a number of recent studies which implicate a process known as "molecular-mimickry" in the development of many neuro-degenerative diseases, especially those whose pathology are focused on the myelin sheaths surrounding nerve cells. One such disease is MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Here is how the process works. As our bodies are introduced to various viruses, such as HPV (human papillonoma virus), our adaptive immune response becomes more and more specific for the virus over time. It does this by modifying it's repatoire of antibodies. As the concentration of these antibodies increases in the blood, they come into contact with normal tissues that have molecules on the outside of them which can look very much like a molecule on the outside of the human papillanoma virus. This is sometimes the case with protiens on the outside of nerve cells such a MBP (myelin basic protein and etc). Those cells which are marked by these antibodies are then eliminated by cytotoxic T-cells. This means that perfect healthy "self-tissues" can be targeted and distroyed by T-cells which were supposed to be killing the human papillonoma virus resulting in organ failure or tissue distruction. Diseases of this kind are known as Auto-immune diseases. This means that mutation which leads to an auto-immune disease also results in the more efficient killing of HPV. This is an example of a bad mutation resulting in a "good" effect. It should be clear that simply because there are good aspects to a disease, does not mean that it is not still properly a disease.
Male vs. Female Differences are "diffuse":
Another reason why the gender continuum fails miserably to match scientific evidence is because it gives the impression that the only differences between males and females are hormonal. There have been a number of recent studies that implicate non-hormonal genes and gene-products in the differentiation between male and female conspecifics in mammals, and extend beyond the differentiation of internal and external sexual apparatus and reproductive behavior. This has been largely apparent in the mammalian brain, where multiple neural nucleii are affected by gender specific gene products which are not hormones. This is almost totally ignored by those who wish to foist their ideas of a gender continuum upon the scientific world and the general public. It is true that there are some very surprising abnormalities resulting from genetic diseases or other toxic insults to the development of "normal" male and female characteristics. These abnormalities, however, should not be thought of as "norms" simply because it allows us to maintain our own worldview. The appropriate question arising from these sexual anomalies is not, is there a continuum of human sexuality, but rather to which of the two gender classes do they belong. In other words, are hermaphrodites, Klinefelter sufferers, and others anomalous males or anomalous females? We know from Scripture that it is one of the two, rather than some 3rd or 4th or 5th variant, "male and female He created them." The term disease applies no less to a missing or mal-shaped androgen receptor than it does to a missing or mal-shaped insulin receptor. Nor is it more appropriate to call a trisomy disorder of Chromosome-21 an illness than to give the same designation to a trisomy disorder of the sex-chromosomes. Procreation should never be implied to be the only thing which differentiates a male and a female. Rather the Scriptures speak of these difference as being much deeper and diffuse. These differences are pervasive and stem from God himself, in whose image mankind is created. They extend much further than the reproductive relationship and are woven into every aspect of life. It is certainly a scientific oversimplification, but it is also a biblical oversimplification to limit the differences between males and females to their reproductive repitoire.
Conclusion:
Why is there this dispairity between diseases that we all ( human society) see as detrimental and these sexual variants? The reason that we do not see this same type of concern with regard to androgen insensitivity and the like, is that it strikes too closely to our sin. Romans 1 calls this "supressing the truth." If science is able to prove that there is a continuum of human gender then the long held Judeo-Christian view of the Human race is false. There is not merely male and female, with their clearly defined biblical roles, but there is a continuum of genders whose responsibilities and roles are self-prescribed. If we begin to call the difference betwen males and females a "gray area," and we blame our sins of homosexuality and feminism on genetic programming rather than rebellion against the Law of God and a "perversion" of His design as seen in nature and revealed in his Word then we are led down paths toward confusion. This confusion leads to giving our own sin "Nature's stamp of approval," but spiritually, physically, and communially it creates a willful inability to help the sick. This is obvious from what Christ himself said, "the well do not need a physician, but the sick." In the same way we will be turning our back as a medical and scientific community on those who are sick by calling them "well," thereby placing them outside of the realm of help.
posted by Mark Raider at 7:29 PM
1 Comments:
Mark, this is so good. This spring in Developmental Psychology we studied many of the disorders that you mentioned, and there was NOT this level of clarity on the moral implications of this "gender continuum."
I appreciate your applying your broad medical knowledge to moral questions that always come up but are rarely answered when I'm studying these things in other settings. Both of these posts have clarified some important things for me.
Please keep writing!!!
~Hope~
Post a Comment
<< Home