Gender development

Gender plays an important role in people's lives across the lifespan. In the early years of development, gender influences how infants are named, dressed, and treated. Later in development it influences the academic courses students select, the skills they master, and those they leave undeveloped. It further influences occupational choices, the centrality of family in daily life, and the level of financial attainment. In this chapter, the sequence of gender development is charted across the lifespan and the influence of gender on human development is considered. First, the developmental patterns of the most researched gendered social cognitive conceptions, namely, gender identity and gender stereotypes, are examined by addressing the central questions of 'How do children come to view themselves as gendered individuals?' and 'How do children develop beliefs about gender differences?' This is followed by an analysis of gender differences and similarities, addressing the question 'To what extent are behaviors, activities, attributes, and preferences patterns linked to gender?' After discussing these three central questions, the major biological and social influences on gender development are reviewed. A brief summary of the key theoretical positions advanced to explain gender development follows and directions for future research are considered.19 page(s