Gender Development

When and how does gender develop?

Gender development starts early

Is it a boy or a girl???

Interactive model of Gender Development

Parentingstyle

Child’s traits & Biological factors

Socio-culturalfactors

Socialization and gender

• Differential gender socialization– Studies re: boy and girl infants and clothing

• Shakin et al., 1985, found that 90% of all infants observed at an American shopping mall were wearing clothing that was gender specific

– Examples of how this continues into adolescence, for girls and boys

– Cross-cultural examples (“Rights of Passage” video)

Boys’ Development

• Discuss homework on achieving manhood• “BOYS WILL BE BOYS?”

– Boys' testosterone levels make them "naturally" more aggressive. But…

– To what extent is a boy's behavior shaped by his family, peers, and his nature? (A.J., Sopranos, Season 1, episode 7)

“Gender Intensification Hypothesis”

• Differences between males and females become more pronounced at adolescence because of the intensified socialization pressures to conform to culturally prescribed roles