Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinition of Gender ConstancyKohlberg’s Theory of Gender DevelopmentResearch Evidence of Gender ConstancyOther Theories of Gender Development

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Definition of Gender Constancy

Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Development

Research Evidence of Gender Constancy

Other Theories of Gender Development

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In its simplest terms, gender constancy refers to the theory that children develop a sense of gender over time and eventually come to understand that their biological sex is fixed and permanent.

This theory originates from the work of American psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg. As simple as the theory sounds, it’s not a simple concept in the least — which is why research on gender development continues to this day.

It is important to note that when the theory of fender constancy was developed, it was a different time in history. The theory does not reflect current social norms surrounding gender far. For example, the theory does not account for individuals who identify astransgender, nonbinary, or gender fluid.

As you read about this theory and its different components, keep in mind that it is based onPiaget’swork on cognitive development. Thus, it does not take into account any research, theory, or social transitions that have happened in the 50+ years since.

The concept of gender constancy refers to a cognitive stage of development at which children come to understand that their gender (meaning their biological sex) is fixed and cannot change over time.

Modern ThoughtWhile the gender constancy theory states that biological sex is fixed and cannot change over time, we now know that there should be a broader interpretation of sex and gender that was once theorized. In addition, children should always be taught that self-acceptance is most important.

Modern Thought

While the gender constancy theory states that biological sex is fixed and cannot change over time, we now know that there should be a broader interpretation of sex and gender that was once theorized. In addition, children should always be taught that self-acceptance is most important.

To understand Kohlberg’s theory, it is first important to understand the concept of a “schema” in terms of cognitive development. A schema is a conceptual pattern held in the mind through which children make sense of the world, and in this case, their gender.

Agender schema modelproposes that children develop their gender identity through internal motivation to conform to what society expects based on their biological sex. However, Kohlberg argued that this motivation was first dependent on the child passing through a number of stages of cognitive development.

While the gender schema model proposes that children have an internal motivation to conform, it’s important to note that with changing gender norms and changing expectations of society, internal motivation may also shift. Regardless, children should never beforced to conformto a gender role that makes them uncomfortable.

This pattern of cognitive development was seen to take place between the ages of two and seven years old, during which time children grow to understand that their sex cannot be changed.

Once children reach this stage of development,Kohlbergargued that they would be motivated to watch how they were expected to behave and act in accordance with that gender role.

In this way, Kohlberg maintained that children would not develop an understanding of gender roles until they had learned that sex remains constant throughout life.

Kohlberg’s Stages

In the gender labeling stage, children can say whether they are a girl or boy as well as the gender of other people. However, they do not understand that this is a characteristic that can’t change over time, like the length of someone’s hair or the clothes that they are wearing.

By about age 6 or 7, children begin to understand that sex is permanent across situations and over time. Once they develop this understanding, they begin to act as members of their sex.

In this way, Kohlberg argued that the most important aspect of gender development is not biological instincts or cultural norms; rather, it is a child’s cognitive understanding of the social world around them.

Instead, their gender identity development depends on their sense of being male or female, which grows in stages that match their cognitive development. And, these stages closely parallel the theory of Piaget regarding children’s cognitive development.

Examples of the questions are below, each representing different stages of Kohlberg’s theory:

Then, the researchers showed the children a film and measured how much they paid attention to the male or female character. What they found was that children with stronger gender constancy were more likely to pay attention to the same-sex role model. This provides support for Kohlberg’s theory.

What Does Gender Nonconforming Mean?

Kohlberg theorized that the development of gender roles depends on a child grasping the concept that their sex remains fixed.

However, others have argued that human development is a much more complex process that depends on a variety of factors interacting with each other. Most notably, Canadian-American psychologistAlbert Bandura arguedthat development was a result of an interaction of behavior, the person, and the environment.

If you are rewarded for acting in a way in accordance with your gender role, then you would be motivated to act in accordance with gender stereotypes.

This external feedback would eventually become internalized such that you would feel better about yourself when acting in accordance with gender stereotypes. As you grow older, internal self-regulation would grow more important.

Note again that this is an older theory based on a time when gender roles were less fluid.

At the same time, other theorists agree that cognition is important to some degree.

For example, Martin and Halverson (1981) provided a new theory of gender typing, in which they proposed that stereotypes emerge as a way of processing a large amount of information. In other words, as a little boy or girl, the world can be confusing. So, it’s easier to start categorizing things based on gender. They argue that stereotypes are kind of like road maps on how to handle interactions with new people.

Martin and Halverson argued that children are quite rigid in using these stereotypes, but as they grow older, they become more flexible.

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Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Bussey K, Bandura A.Social cognitive theory of gender development and differentiation.Psychol Rev. 1999;106(4):676-713.

Martin CL, Halverson CF.A schematic processing model of sex typing and stereotyping in children.Child Dev. 1981;52(4):1119-1134.

Ruble DN, Taylor LJ, Cyphers L, Greulich FK, Lurye LE, Shrout PE.The role of gender constancy in early gender development.Child Dev. 2007;78(4):1121-1136.

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