An important part of young children's self-concept is gender identity-the understanding and acceptance that one is either a boy or a girl. Gender identity is based on the understanding that there are different sexes and that a person's gender group is stable over time and situations (Kohlberg, 1966). For most children, understanding of gender progresses through three stages:
Stages of Gender Identity
By about 30 months of age, children engage in gender labeling-they label themselves and others according to their gender group either as boys or girls and use pronouns that correctly match the gender group.
By 3 to 4 years of age, children understand gender stability-they know that gender is stable over time. A boy who has achieved gender stability knows that he will always be a boy and will grow up to be a man, not a woman.
By 4 to 5 years of age, children understand gender consistency-they know that gender does not change despite changes in appearance or activities. For instance, a child who has achieved gender consistency understands that a boy who dresses as a girl remains a boy despite his appearance.
At a Glance
Gender identity- understanding and acceptance that a child is either a boy or a girl. Gender labeling - labeling oneself and others on the basis of gender group. Gender stability- understanding that gender is stable over time. Gender consistency- understanding that gender does not change despite changes in appearance or activities.
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