GENDER ID

A STRONG INFLUENCE ON BEHAVIOR COMES FROM THE GENDER CHILDREN IDENTIFY WITH. THEY CAN TELL THE DIFFERENCES EARLY:

6 MONTHS: CAN TELL MEN FORM WOMEN SEEN IF FROM HEAD TO TOE

10 MONTHS: CAN TELL MEN FORM WOMEN BY FACE ALONE

2 TO 2 AND A HALF YEARS: CAN CORRECTLY LABEL PICTURE OF BOYS AND GIRLS

2 TO 3 YEARS: CAN USUALLY LABEL THEIR OWN GENDER AND PLACE PICTURE OF THEMSELVES IN THE CORRECT GENDER GROUP

(BRYANT AND CHECK 66)

In the 1970’s and 1980’s researchers conducted famous "Baby X" studies. They introduced parents to infants who were disguised (i.e. a baby boy in a pink dress or a baby girl in blue trousers). The scientists then observed how the adults treated the baby. When they thought the baby was a girl, they brought "her" a doll, and when they thought it was a boy, they brought "him" a truck. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. (Bryant and Check 66)

Some evidence that swings the other way…

Bruce Reimer lost his penis as a result of a botched circumcision in 1966. His parents were advised to raise him as a girl by renowned sex researcher John Money. However, Bruce did not feel right living his life as Brenda, and later reclaimed his male identity. This is evidence that biology does play some part in gender identity. (Bryant and Check 66)

Conclusion:

I feel that I have given evidence beyond a shadow of a doubt that gender socialization exists within our world. Male and female animals naturally have some differences, but humans are much more complex and the differences between sexes are much more defined as well as understood. Just by reflecting on the way I treat my daughter, I know that people at least somewhat mold boys into boys and girls into girls. I hope that this website helps others to see that socialization does exist in many ways.
 

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