Roles of gender development and identity.

1. GENDER ROLES
Harley Crawford
MTE 506
Dawn Gustafson-Dammeir

2. HOW ARE GENDER ROLES DEVELOPED?
There are many factors that contribute to the influence in which Children
develop their attitudes and behaviors regarding gender roles. Their
attitudes and behaviors are learned in the home and are then reinforced
through their social, school, and media experiences. Children begin to
develop gender roles through four main cognitive concepts:
1. Gender Concept
2. Gender Identity 9 months to 3 years old
3. Gender Stability 4 years old
4. Gender Consistency 4 to 5 years old

3. WHEN ARE GENDER ROLES ADOPTED?
Gender roles adopted during childhood normally continue into
adulthood. Children begin associating certain tasks and
possessions early childhood. During this early stage, children
begin to associate items or gender roles with the appropriate
gender. Stereotyping of different genders begin within the ages
of 3 and 4 years old, as well as the development
of personality traits by 5 years old.

4. HOW ARE GENDER ROLES DEVELOPED?
The Four Methods of Gender Role Development:
Gender Concepts: This is the conceptual understanding that a gender is permanent and
unchanging. This is accomplished when a child can distinguish between
the sexes of boy and girl.
Gender Identity: Between the ages of 2 and 3 years old children can identify their peers as
boy or girl. Gender identity is established when the child can correctly
identify themselves or other children as boy or girl.
Gender Stability: As a secondary stage, children begin to understand and realize that a
persons gender is permanent.
Gender Constancy: The understanding that the physical appearance may change, that the
actual gender is permanent.

5. WHAT INFLUENCES SHAPE GENDER IDENTITY?
There are many influences that shape gender identity, however
four major influences provide the most profound impact.
1. FAMILY
2. SOCIETY
3. MEDIA
4. CULTURE

6. WHAT INFLUENCES SHAPE PERCEPTIONS OF
GENDER ROLES?
Depending on the culture and background of the child, the perceptions of gender
roles are shaped in many different ways. Social expectations and norms model specific
stereotypes that support the societal norm of man or woman. The media depicts
Situations that are specifically masculine or feminine, depending on the interpretation
and specificity of the message. Family establishes direct and indirect perceptions. A
Direct approach is the urging of the parents for the boy to play sports and the girl to
play with dolls. An indirect perception is gained in the observation of normal domestic
duties within the household.

7. WHAT IS THE PROCESS GENDER IDENTITY CHANGE?
There are several gender identity changes that occur from
Childhood to adolescence such as:
Puberty
Sexual Education
Social Development
The major influence of gender identity during
Adolescence is puberty. During adolescence children
begin to understand that gender roles are based upon
opinion, and that society has grown more flexible. This
stage of development is the introduction of sexuality and
the realization of homosexuality.