While gender is often thought of as a topic reserved for adolescence or adulthood,research asserts that a child’s gender identity may develop within the first two years oflife. As social and academic conversations about gender continue to move beyond thebinary, many developmental scientists are confronted with the fact that theories ofgender development often present divergent or competing explanations of how, whenand why gender develops. Regardless, parents, educators, and health professionalsalike want to ensure informed, inclusive and safe developmental spaces are affordedto all children, regardless of their gender.

TASK

·         You are contacted by Australian Psychologist and asked to write an essay that:

·         Presents two theories of gender development. You can choose any two relevant theories of gender development to present.
·         You must rely on empirical evidence (empirical evidence refers strictly only on primary sources.) to support the theory’s practical application (Preferrably, the two articles should be contrasting each other to make the discussion not one sided). For instance, you can find an article reinforcing Piaget development theory and another against this theory.
·         Draw a conclusion on which of the two theories best explains gender development