Many decades ago scientists identified the primary fetal form in mammals as female. This discovery was so upsetting that there was a delay in the dissemination of this information, e.g. to the level of graduate texts. If I may be so presumptuous as to speak for a generation of scientists I only know about second hand, they got upset because this little bit of biological information threatened the metaphor of male supremacy. As accumulating evidence supported the hypothesis that all human fetuses will develop as female unless exposed to androgen, "science" begin to digest this new knowledge under the rubric Organizational Theory. In this conceptualization the female is known as the "default" sex, the male is the "organized" sex. Facts are something we discover; we come to understand them, however, through the creation of mythic metaphor. As you can see in the above example, the metaphor carries more information than the original facts. An examination of even more facts reveals that "default" is a faulty label. When we examine the broader category of vertebrates, of which mammals are a part, a more accurately descriptive adjective for the female would be "ancestral." For the male, the best descriptor would be "derived" species. Anyone with a nodding acquaintance of the Adam's Rib myth can intuitively understand why these labels upset, why a knowledge of the biology of sexuality leads you down one politically incorrect path after another.
One of the most intriguing facts about our new models of vertibrateated evolution is how closely they fit the proto-historic Great Mother Myth(s). There are a few new facts that have to be woven into the tapestry, that change the story slightly, but overall the resemblance of modern scientific theory to this myth is uncanny. (Next article)
In species still existing today we witness a variety of reproductive forms that tell us much about the probable course of vertebrate sexual evolution. Among fish and reptiles it is possible to observe the evolution of sex and gender. It begins with self replicating species, a phenomena well-known among invertebrates but absent entirely in complex vertebrates like mammals. This is parthenogenesis; cloning if you will. Literally this organism gives rise to a replica of herself.
Interestingly, courtship (e.g. mounting activity) takes place even in species that do not exchange genetic material, i.e. are parthenogenic. In many species where female-female courtship occurs it appears to result in greater fertility and/or greater viability in offspring. This idea is not contained in ancient myths.
Where gender does occurs in these early vertebrates the determinants are in the environment, e.g. egg incubation temperature, number of males in a territory. Gender in some species of fish changes fluidly throughout the lifespan (hermaphrodism), in others it is fixed. Gradations of masculinity occur also in response to whatever environmental triggers are operating. Aggressiveness <--> submissiveness varies in the same fashion. All of these features are an expression of sex steroid hormones operating at varying concentrations. Exchange of genetic material occurs in some unisexual species but does not control masculinization.
In birds and mammals, however, it is the genetic material in the fetus that directs the development of sex (female<-->male) and gender (masculinization). Sex steroid hormones are the agents of modification here as they are in other vertebrates. Humans still have echoes of prenatal environmental impact on sex and gender because these hormones are remarkably responsive to the environment. Maternal hormones directly impact the fetus making the mother's environment a determinant of hormone influence. The primary determinant of sex in mammals, however, is the chromosome pattern determined through bisexual (two sexes) genetic exchange. Mathematically this reproductive strategy allows for greater diversity in offspring which should increase the chances for species survival.
So that is where we came from. When we say "diversity increases survival," a common example is the chances of an entire species being wiped out by a single disease. Behavioral diversity, however, is another aspect of flexibility within a species. Humans are extraordinary at it. It could be our survival; it could also be our doom. In the myths that come down to us from the ancient history of the Middle East to old Europe: the son (after reproducing the necessary number of descendants) slew the mother and took the show for himself. That is another article, however. NOTE: Proposing theoretical models is always a tricky business. The author takes full responsibility for knowing that what she proposes is always only part of the truth. She would welcome a dialogue with others interested in these topics. For references or further discussion, please contact the author through Seattle Institute.
AND IN THE BEGINNING (Of vertebrate life) WAS THE GREAT MOTHER, (Only one sex existed) WHO GAVE BIRTH TO HERSELF, (Parthenogenic reproduction occurs in vertebrate species.) AND MADE LOVE TO THE OTHER, (Sexual mounting occurs in species that are parthenogenic) AND THEY MULTIPLIED.
(After non-genetic courting more eggs are laid or better protected) AND FROM THESE DAUGHTERS LOVING EACH OTHER, (Female-female mounting has been observed in many species from parthenogenic vertebrates to domestic animals.) A SON/LOVER WAS BORN, (Sexual differentiation occurs in fish and reptiles. It occurs in response to environmental conditions and is mediated by sex steroid hormones.) WHO BECAME A FATHER, (Bisexual, i.e. two sexes, genetic exchange reproduction develops.) AND OUR DISTANT ANCESTORS WERE BORN. (Birds and mammals reproduce through bisexual genetic exchange in which chromosomes dictate sex and gender through sex steroid hormones.) ERL
ERL
One out of 5 women is not orgasmic. This well-researched program has a demonstrated ability to teach women how to achieve orgasm and improve self-esteem in the process. This 5-week group meets twice a week with daily homework. The preparation reading is For Yourself, by Lonnie Barbach.
Today, gay men experience a frightening array of dynamics which can devastate their self esteem and sexual functioning. From HIV to all the "isms" (heterosexism, looksism, ageism, racism) fear blocks intimacy and social ease. This group will address the skills needed to thrive in today's gay world.
Whether one or both partners are infected, both are affected by this trying and complex illness. More than a support group, this group will offer skills to improve coping and thriving.
Presenters: Drs. Noel Larson and Sally Maison from St. Paul Minnesota Doctors Larson and Maison are highly regarded and sought after presenters for their expertise in the area of sexual abuse. The workshop will be designed to present the continuum of reactive survival stances from victim to perpetrator seen in adult survivors of childhood sex trauma. Doctors Larson and Maison will present their models for treating the five identified stances. The workshop will consist of didactic presentation, role play sequences and viewing of videotaped client/therapist sessions.
Intended Audience: Marriage and Family therapists, counselors, therapists who work with adolescent and adult survivors, health and sex educators, clergy, probation officers, anyone who specializes in working with adult survivors of sexual abuse.
Elizabeth Rae Larson also serves on the Board.
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