Child Development - Sex and Gender Flashcards
Whats the difference between sex and gender?
Sex is a biological status
Gender is learned or cultural
Is ‘masculine or feminine’ sex or gender?
Gender
Is ‘male or female’ sex or gender?
Sex
What are disorders of sexual development (DSDs)?
Reproductive or sexual anatomy are not standard for male or female
When do disorders of sexual development (DSDs) become apparent?
Birth, puberty, or later, or never
basically whenever
How do parents influence gender identity?
as role models
through parent/child interaction
gender appropriate toys/activites
How do perceptions of new born children influence gender identities?
Girls are seen as “little, beautiful, cute, delicate” even though they are identical to boys
stereotypes!
What is a gender role?
Behaviours, attitudes and characteristics associated with a particular sex become stereotypes
How do children use gender roles/stereotypes?
To define and make rules about what its like to be a particular gender in society
What does social learning theory suggest?
Children are observational and learn what they see/hear others of the same genders doing, to imitate this and build an internal identity
What does cognitive developmental theory suggest?
Children are aware that they are a particular gender and this sets up a bias - they will LOOK FOR information that confirms that belief.
At what at age do children develop gender identity?
2-3 years
At what age do children develop gender stability?
around 4 years
What is gender stability?
Knowing that you will always be the same gender you are now
At what age do children develop the concept of gender constancy?
4-5 years
What is gender constancy?
The knowledge that even if appearance etc. change you will stay the same gender
How do peers help to shape gender roles?
Encouraging gender separation, prejudice, difference
preference for same sex playmates
avoidance of opposite sex
At what age do gender roles become apparent?
age 3
How do schools help shape gender roles?
structure
teacher behaviour
How do books help shape gender roles?
male characters are more varied, active, exciting
females under represented
strong stereotyping of characteristics
Give some examples of social explanations for gender differences?
Boys are better at maths because they experience more maths at school and get more attention from male teachers
parental reactions to maths
parental bolstering of self competence
In studies, what 3 difference were shown in young children?
throwing
sexuality
physical aggression
Give some examples of gender differences in psychological health
substance dependecy
depression
eating disorders
