Child development - Sex and gender

Question 1

Sex vs. Gender

Answer 1

Sex = persons Biological status
Gender = Learned cultural status (masculine or feminine)

Question 2

Determination of Gender (3 factors)

Answer 2

3 factors form gender identity
• Prenatal hormones,
• Development of genitalia,
• Characteristics as assigned from parents

Question 3

Disorder of Sexual Development (DSD)

Answer 3

Non-standard reproductive or sexual anatomy

Question 4

Social Learning Theory (males)

Answer 4

Rewards for masculine behaviour and Punishment for feminine behaviour.
Individual imitates males –> develops gender identity.

Question 5

Cognitive Development Theory

Answer 5

A male gender identity will lead to masculine behaviour

Question 6

Gender identity - at what age does a child know the difference between a girl vs. boy

Answer 6

Knowing Girl vs. Boy Difference -

Occurs age 2-3 years.

Question 7

Gender Stability (what age does it occur at?)

Answer 7

Perception of gender related future (I will be a mummy or daddy) - occurs age 4 years.

Question 8

Gender Constancy (what age does it occur at?)

Answer 8

‘Boys don’t become girls by wearing dresses’ -Occurs age 4-5 years.

Question 9

Gender shaped by

Answer 9

Gender shaped by Family, School, Peers and Media.

Question 10

Gender Similarities Hypothesis

Answer 10

Gender Similarities Hypothesis From 46 meta analyses
Clear difference only in: throwing, sexuality and physical aggression.
Research overlooks - developmental trends (eg. Self esteem).