This document discusses gender role development from conception through adolescence. It begins by defining gender roles and then outlines the stages of gender role development from early gestation through ages 2-6 when children begin to recognize and adopt gender roles. It describes Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of gender identity development and discusses how gender roles are influenced by families and reinforced through behavior. The document concludes by examining how gender roles change from early childhood through puberty and adolescence as physical characteristics develop and interests in masculine and feminine activities and appearances emerge.

1. Gender Role Presentation
CARLEEN HORTON
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

2. Gender Role
Gender role is a theoretical
construct in the social
sciences and humanities
that refers to a set of social
and behavioral norms

3. Gender Role Development
 Gender-role development begins at conception
 At around week six of gestation, the hormone
testosterone will stimulate the tissues into
developing into the male internal organs;
otherwise, the organs will become part of the
female reproductive system
 “It’s a Boy or It’s a Girl, happens at birth and then
the process of socialization begins

4. Gender Roles Adopted
 Between ages 2 to 6 children to where gender roles
are adopted.
 Children start to recognize “ I am a girl or I am a
boy” .
 Stereotyping by age 3 or 4
 Personality traits by age 5

5. Gender Roles through Cognitive Theory
 Lawrence Kohlberg
 Believed that children’s understanding of gender goes through
stages as they mature.
 First stage: Gender Identity
 At age two: I am a boy or I am a girl
 Second Stage: Gender Stability
 Begins at age 3 when children understand that their gender is
constant over time
 Third Stage: Gender Constancy
 Begins at age 5 children understand that gender remains
constant even with external changes

6. Gender Roles
 Around age six boys want to be like their father
 Around age six girl develop their gender identity by
identifying with their mothers
 Infants develop a sense of self as they separate from their
mother.
 Boys move away from their mother
 Girls stay close to their mother

7. Influences that Shape Gender Roles
 Behaviorist: Gender identity results from direct
and indirect reinforcement of gender roles and
activities
 Family:
 Buying a truck for the boy
 Buying a doll for the girl

8. Gender Changes from Early Childhood
through Adolescence
 Children enter puberty
 Girls will start to do more girly activities
 Lean more to a feminine appearance
 Guys will start to do more guy activities
 Lean more to a masculine appearance

9. Observable Changes in Gender Identity
 Boys:
 Start to enjoy facial hair
 Start to use heavy colognes and deodorants
 Start to lift weights for muscle increase and play sports
 Girls:
 Enjoy shopping for bras
 Start to use cosmetics for acne blemishes
 Start to worry about their looks and clothing style