The Development Of Gender Identity: Timetables And Influences

This chapter will describe the development of gender identity in children. First, the timetable for the occurrence of gender constancy (i.e., the concept that gender is permanent), gender stability (i.e., the understanding that one’s own gender will not change), and gender identity (i.e., the sense of being male or female) will be reviewed. It will be emphasized that children begin the acquisition of their understanding of gender very early in their lives, usually by 2- to 3-years of age. In addition, the relationship of these constructs to gender role, or the expectations that prescribe how members of each gender should act, will be discussed. Second, the development of gender identity in children will be put in the context of different theories, such as Bem’s (1981) gender schema theory. This theory suggests that individuals are guided by their own motivation to conform the gender-based sociocultural stereotypes and standards. Third, the potential influences of biology, parents, peers, and media messages on the development of gender identity in children will be described. Finally, to summarize and put this information into context, suggestions will be made regarding how a healthy understanding of gender, gender identity, and gender roles can be promoted in children so that more adaptive sense of self can be achieved