In terms of gender role formation, which factor is considered most important according to biological theories?

Biological theories of gender role formation emphasize the influence of biological sex as the primary factor in determining gender roles. These theories suggest that inherent physiological and genetic differences between males and females lead to distinct behaviors, preferences, and roles that society later categorizes as 'masculine' or 'feminine.'

For instance, hormonal differences such as estrogen and testosterone levels are believed to influence behaviors typically associated with each gender. This biological perspective posits that these innate characteristics strongly shape not only individual behavior but also societal expectations and norms surrounding gender roles.

In contrast, the other factors, although influential in gender role development, are considered secondary in biological theories. Social conditioning, peer influence, and media exposure play roles in reinforcing or challenging gender norms but do not account as fundamentally for the initial formation of these roles as biological traits do. Consequently, biological sex is viewed as the cornerstone of gender role formation in this context.