Gender and Social Development

Answer the following questions from your childhood from the ages 12 and under:

• What were your five favorite TV shows?• What were your five favorite toys?• Name three chores or tasks you were asked to

do at home. • Name three recreational activities, clubs, or

sports in which you participated.• Name three things that you wanted to be

when you grew up.

Boy or Girl Rules

• Are children raised to behave a certain way because of gender?

• Boys are allowed to be more aggressive and violent as children

• Parents tend to protect girls more than boys– More rules– More structure and guidance

Gender Identity

• The knowledge that you are a particular gender because of physical differences– Starts early and is usually complete between the

ages of 3 and 4– 18 months is when gender identity begins to

strengthen– We are taught what constitutes appropriate

behavior for the genders

Gender Roles

• Gender role socialization-- process of learning the behaviors considered appropriate for one’s gender

• Gender role – the favored pattern of behavior expected of each gender

Research shows the following gender roles :

• Boys– Strong– Aggressive– Fast– Dominant– achieving

• Girls– Sensitive– Intuitive– Passive– Emotional– proper