Essay on Human Development: How Self-Concept, Including Gender Identity, Develops During Early Childhood

Nowadays, there is a tendency to emphasize self-concept as the principal target of the individual’s development. In early childhood this may cause many questions as to the child’s conception of his or her gender and sexual identity. “A child’s earliest exposure to what it means to be male or female comes from parents “(Kaplan, 1991). These issues are the consequence of early development, and thus early traumas may influence the entire gender development. “The information that surrounds the child comes within the family arena through parent-child interactions, role modeling, reinforcement for desired behaviors, and parental approval or disapproval” (Santrock, 1994). The ideas and beliefs may be changed when children move to a lager world, when they receive information through the media, and television.

As a result, trauma leads to such violations as sexual abuse, terror attacks. Moreover, it also comprises events heretofore considered minor. Teenager’s age is considered to be the most crucial for the individual development. During this period, children show they want to be independent. That is why, their self-esteem and self-concept must be strong to overcome possible adolescent problems and conflicts. The term self-esteem includes such notions as self-respect, self-worth to express how a child considers himself/herself. Self-concept in this context means the understanding own identity and achievements. I believe that all these factors play a vital role in the early human development.

Teenagers’ conflicts result in discipline in school. Some adolescents are unable to complete their studies properly.

Modern life is full of gender biases and stereotypes. Children naturally learn to adjust to these realities. They are influenced by many factors which have effect on their behavior and perception concerning gender identity. This perception is usually obtained at home, at school and on television. Children know what it means to be a girl or a boy at a very early age.

As they grow and develop, “the gender stereotypes they are exposed to at home are reinforced by other elements in their environment and are thus perpetuated throughout childhood and on into adolescence”(Martin, Wood, & Little, 1990).

During early development children participate in gender-typed activities such as doll and truck playing. Sport activities are usually sex-typed for children as well. “Parents provide gender-differentiated toys and reward play behavior that is gender stereotyped “(Carter, 1987). Moreover, I consider that the girl’s rooms are usually pink, while dark, often blue colors prevail in boys’ rooms with sports equipment, tools and various vehicles.

In conclusion I may say that parental attitude towards their child has a considerable impact during his/her early development. During this period parents should provide children with warmth, support and develop the sense of self-esteem and self-respect; reconsider what TV programs must be available for them; make them understand that school is the important stage in the child’s life.

Bibliography:

• Martin, C. L., Wood, C. H., & Little, J. K. (1990). The development of gender stereotype components. Child Development, 61, 1891-1904
• Santrock, J. (1994). Child development, 6th ed. Madison: Brown & Benchmark
• Kaplan, P. (1991). A child’s odyssey. St. Paul: West Publishing Company
• Carter, D. C. (1987). Current conceptions of sex roles and sex typing: Theory and research. New York: Praeger