Secondary sexual characteristics are characteristics that are sex related but are not directly connected with the physiology of reproduction. The body image depends a good deal on the secondary sexual characteristics. Men tend to be heavier with more muscle mass and physical strength than women although there are some women heavier, more muscular and stronger than some men. Darwin did not limit his discussion of sex differences in variability to obviously secondary sexual characteristics. Darwin wrote of "the frequent and extraordinary amount of variability presented by secondary sexual characteristics" of males and he concluded from his studies of domesticated animals that "the male is more liable to vary than the female." He reasoned that all these contingencies are highly favorable for sexual selection. An imbalance of maternal hormonal levels and some chemicals may alter the secondary sexual characteristics of fetuses.
The Psychological Significance of Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Nine- to Eleven-Year-Old Girls. - Brooks-Gunn, J.; Warren, Michelle P. Abstract: Studied the onset of puberty in girls aged nine to eleven as represented by breast, pubic hair growth, and height. Breast growth, but not pubic hair growth was associated with a positive body image, positive peer relationships, and superior adjustment. Height was linked to superior adjustment and rating of career as important.
Secondary Sexual Characteristics in Boys
Estimates From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III,
1988-1994. Marcia E. Herman-Giddens, PA, MPH, DrPH; Lily Wang, MS; Gary Koch,
PhD.
Human female breasts are secondary sexual characteristics that evolved to attract mates. - Desmond Morris (The Naked Ape, 1967).
Man and woman: A study of human secondary sexual characteristics. Ellis, H. 1894. Walter Scott, London.
Beyond Gender-Specific Intervention: Theory-driven Praxis
- by Laurie Schaffner.
Extract: In sociology, sex and gender are distinguished in
theoretical discussion. Sex is used to describe the biological, physiological
differences between boys/men and girls/women, although even these binary categories are
now under serious challenge. Some of the biological or physiological characterizations
utilized to differentiate among sexes are presence of mammary glands and
breasts, uterus, ovaries, vaginas, testicles, penises and the like, as well as what are
sometimes called secondary sexual characteristics, such as amount of facial hair, pitch of
voice, size of Adam's apple, and such.
Sexual maturation in Turkish girls - Neyzi, Olcay; Alp, Hulya;
Orhon, Alper.
Abstract: The time intervals from onset to completion of secondary sexual characteristics
were comparable to those reported for European girls for pubic and axillary hair
development, but relatively longer for the development of the breast. They differed little
between the socioeconomic classes.
Onset of secondary sexual characteristics and of menarche in the highest socioeconomic
class were early as compared to other population groups.
Sexual precocity in girls. An association with sexual abuse?
Herman-Giddens ME, Sandler AD, Friedman NE.
The development of secondary sexual characteristics before 8 years of age in girls is
uncommon and little is known of its epidemiology. In a retrospective study of a population
of 105 girls 10 years old and younger who were victims of confirmed or suspected sexual
abuse, we found a one in 15 prevalence of early development of one
or more secondary sexual characteristics. We speculate on possible associations between
early development of secondary sexual characteristics and sexual abuse. The data suggest
that further research explore this possible association.
A study of developmental order of secondary sexual characteristics in Beijing girls. - Li JJ., Haidian Health and Epidemic Prevention Station, Beijing. A six-year (1980-1986) study of the developmental status of the secondary sexual characteristics was made among 937 girls in Beijing. The mean age of the first appearance of the secondary sexual characteristics was measured. The individual variation was very great.