Gender Development

Gender Development

1. Gender Identity Stages

   • 0-3yrs
     • From 6-9 months, can distinguish between males and females based on hairstyle (Intons-Peterson, 1988) and voice (Martin et al, 2002). 2-3 years can correctly identify themselves as male or female vocally (Thompson, 1975). Some gender stereotypes emerge. 2½-3½ years assign activities to dolls (Kuhn et al, 1978) and gender typed toy/activity preferences emerge around 14-22 months (Smith and Daglish, 1977). 2yrs girls prefer girls and 3yr boys prefer boys (La Freniere, 1984).
   • 3-7yrs
     • Understand gender is fixed (Fagot, 1975). Become more aware of what girls/boys do, play with, etc. (Serbin et al. 1993). Strong gender toy/activity preferences (Killen et al, 2001). 4-5yrs reject playing with those of the opposite sex (Ramsey, 1995).
   • 7-11yrs
     • Know their gender and are aware how this maps on to identity in future. Start to stereotype personality characteristics – positive for self, negative for opposite. Children realise gender discrimination is unfair (Killen et al, 2001). Gender segregation grows stronger – those who have cross-sex friendships rejected by peers (Kovacs, Parker & Hoffman, 1993).
   • 12+ yrs
     • Know their gender and are aware how this maps on to identity in future. Start to stereotype personality characteristics – positive for self, negative for opposite. Children realise gender discrimination is unfair (Killen et al, 2001). Gender segregation grows stronger – those who have cross-sex friendships rejected by peers (Kovacs, Parker & Hoffman, 1993).

2. Gender Role Sterotypes

3. Gender-typed patterns of behaviour

4. Biological perspective

   • Evolution
     • hormonal influences
       • sex differences in the brain

5. Social learning theory

   • Observational learning

6. Media stereotypes