A Discussion on Gender Identity Through Developmental Theories

This essay delves into the debate surrounding gender identity, examining the perspectives of developmental theorists. It explores how factors such as socialization and innate desires influence gendered behaviors. The essay discusses the self-socialization theory, highlighting how children actively seek information and adapt their behaviors accordingly. It also analyzes the social cognitive theory, emphasizing the role of imitation, rewards, and punishments in shaping gender-specific behaviors. The author argues that gendered behaviors are primarily learned through socialization, influenced by parental actions and societal expectations. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of how gender identity develops and the various influences at play, offering valuable insights into this complex topic.

Running head: THE DEVELOPMENTAL DEBATE ON GENDER IDENTITY
THE DEVELOPMENTAL DEBATE ON GENDER IDENTITY
Name of the Student
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Author note

1THE DEVELOPMENTAL DEBATE ON GENDER IDENTITY
The aim of this paper is to discuss the debate on gender identity through the perspective
of developmental theories and to determine what influences their thoughts and behaviors.
Self-socialization theory proposes whether the children’s understanding of gender
identity influences the gender typed behaviors in them (Carter, 2014). It proposes that children
actively try to search for information about the meaning of gender, how it affects them and then
they find ways to socialize accordingly. Others have argued that understanding the role of
genders should not be important in developing gendered behaviors. Gender socialization in the
family plays a significant role in determining the ways in which the males and the females act
differently. The socialization starts at birth as the parents start acting differently with their
children according to their sex. Boys are given blue outfits while the girls are clothed in pink
dresses. Boys are asked to play with trucks, cars and robots while the girls are given dolls to
play with. Social cognitive theory of gender proposes that the development in a child occurs
through imitation (Santrock, 2017). Rewards and punishments shape their behavior. Mothers
teach their girls to be more obedient and compliant whereas the fathers teach their boys to be
independent and to engage in more activities. Gendered stereotyped behaviours are not innate,
they are learned. The child learns by imitating his parents and acts accordingly. They are
conditioned to behave according to what the society feels is the appropriate gendered behavior.
In conclusion, it can be said that, gender specific behaviours are learnt through
socialization and are not innate.

2THE DEVELOPMENTAL DEBATE ON GENDER IDENTITY
References
Carter, M. J. (2014). Gender socialization and identity theory. Social Sciences, 3(2), 242-263.
Santrock, J. (2017). Life Span Development. McGraw-Hill Higher Education.