Development GD

Sex and gender

• sex = biological differences between males and females
• gender = non biological traits of males and females

Sex differences

• different chromosomal structures determine prenatal exposure to hormones 
• > males = XY, females = **
• different genitals
• men taller and heavier
• females more robust and live longer
• differences in activity levels, verbal and spatial abilities, aggression, body size

Gender roles 

• gender role standards - patterns of behaviour expected of different sexes
• gender role stereotypes - mistaken beliefs or perceptions in a society
• gender-typing -  socialisation process by whcih child becomes aware of being a girl or boy, learning to behave appropriately to gender roles

Gender-role development: infants and toddlers

• from birth, boys and girls treated differently, eg. play, clothes
• end of year 1:
• > discriminate between males and females
• from second year:
• > prefer gender appropriate toys, choose same sex playmates
• 2-3…