Abstract The influence of cognitive development to a modern comprehension of gender identity is examined. Cognitive theories in the context of human development are assessed and examples are presented to provide empirical support. These theories surround early gender development with aspects concentrated specifically during Middle Childhood to illustrate how gender identity is perceived in children ages 5 -11. The process of normal and abnormal gender identity in Middle Childhood are both examined…

defending one’s position or defending the position of others. The process includes competing for conclusions that will avoid a stalemate and to achieve a satisfactory solution to meet both parties’ needs or to address their concerns. Gender plays an important role in negotiations. According to Nelson, Bronstein, Shacham & Ben-Ari (2015), gender refers to cultural and psychological markers of the sexes – the aspects of role or identity (rather than biology) that differentiate men from women in a given…

question that is discussed in this paper. This particular question states, “As a human development and family studies professional, how would you describe the ways in which parents influence their children’s notions of gender roles?” (Santrock, 2015, p. 168). Parents play a major role in their children’s gender development. Fathers and mothers are also “psychologically important to their children’s gender development” (Santrock, 2015, p. 168). Throughout the world, there are different expectations for…

Stereotypical gender roles and the potential impact on children’s gender identity socialization. ‘Media corporations, with a commanding role over commodity markets have become the primary educational and cultural force in shaping, if not hijacking, how youth define their interests, values and relations to others’. (Giroux 2011) My argument throughout this essay will be that children’s programs have a significant impact and influencing effect on shaping and forming a child’s identity. It is without…

Barbie dolls and ponies. This leads to educator to ponder on the effects popular culture has on the development of a child’s gender identity. Onwards from birth, children are surrounded by and live within environments which are rich in gender stereotyping (Siraj-Blatchford, 2004, p. 24). They are given toys, books and clothes in which the media and society deems applicable to their specific gender. These gendered beliefs and practices are then implemented and shared as a child matures and can see…

Gender Identity & Children and Gender Gender Identity refers to how we feel and express our gender. From the time we are born, we are identified as being a male or a female. We learn gender identity from others and interaction helps produce it. A baby by the age of 1 knows if they are a boy or girl and by the age of 2 to 3 they form an opinion about the way they feel about their gender. Children take cues from their environment and the people around them to form gender identity. Anthony Schullo…

As kids, one saw the other children as either a girl or a boy. Their conclusion of the “sex” of their siblings and classmates came from the predetermined characteristics of what a typical male and female are to look like and act like. One’s judgment of this is based on the classic understanding and characteristics that have been repeatedly taught to them throughout the years. However, gender identity and development is something that has been both misunderstood and misconstrued by people for quite…

structure on children’s development. Findings are presented on a sample of 20 gay father families, 20 lesbian mother families and 20 heterosexual parent families who have a child of age 4-6 years. Natural observations in a lab environment recorded children’s tendency to choose gender specific, non-gender specific or neutral toys. Comparisons in toy choice were made between children of gay-, lesbian- and same-sex parents. Overall, children from heterosexual families showed greater gender stereotyping than…

important for the educator to perceive is that an important part of early childhood education is supplying the children’s ‘marketplace’ during identity development. According to Siraj-Blatchford and Clarke (2004, p. 23) the effects of gender, culture and socio economic status overlap with other formative developmental categories in a complex way to shape a child’s identity. Or as Malaguzzi writes “we can never think of each child in the abstract” (1993, p. 1). By understanding and respecting issues of diversity…

in support of the development of gender identity and gender roles. One major theory was the one put forward by Bandura and his social learning theory. Bandura's social learning theory states that gender is learnt through direct and indirect reinforcement. The direct reinforcement is influenced by parents and according to the social learning theory gender identity is also reinforced through the beliefs and attitudes that the parents implement within their children through gender stereotypical behaviour…