der: eavly wo Staking“Gender is one of the first social categories children become aware of.” (emp cneo xD What Ao we know! Gander neo at soc eateries itren become svar Even very young children can distinguish males from females 1 Around the age of 3, most children know their own gander identisy themselves a ether a boy ora gi 1» Young children learn about many gender roles through thelr pa rs and interests from boys at is appropriate of toys and label 1 Some parents expect diferent attudes, behaviour and girs Ether directly or indirectly they teach children wl {for boys and gis through thei comments, behaviours and selection and actives 1 Chikren also shape their own gender development. — Atage 3, they prefer toys stereotypic of their gender. — Once they abel themselves as boys or girls, children begin to search for clues about the activites, behaviours and appearance of others of ‘hele gender. = Often young children actor dress in a highly gender-stereotypical way (2 0 recaing se pcs) bey may ao explore other roles 1 Biologia factors also influence gender development. For example, girls who are prenatally exposed to high levels of male hormones (androgens) typically show interest 'male-yped! activites 12 Many children prefer to ply with peers ofthe same gender. This preference increases when they stat school 1 Children who have opportunities to play In mixed-gender groups develop skis, ‘to interact effectively with both boys and girs.aoe cars — examen Sit ete ten Information This nkrmason sheet sa pubation ofthe Cenre of Excelence for Exry Childhood Development (CEECD) andthe Seat Knowledge Clister on Ey Cid Development KC-ECD), These orpniaions erty and summarize the best scenic workon ex chihood devwopmane They dsairae ie ‘rowledge toa are of aidence Infor and ngage apd tothe needs Fora more in-depth understanding of gender: erly socialization, consut our ‘synthesis and experts’ artces on this topic in the Encyclopedia on Early Chilthood Development. avaluble free of charge at wow chic-encyloped com, Several organizations francally support the CEECD and the SKC-ECD, including ‘the Social Sciences and Hurmaites Research Council of Canada, Université Laval and private foundations. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the official policies ofthese organizations We are grateful to UNICEF fr its francial contribution to produce this information sheet. Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development Strategic Knowledge Cluster on Early Child Development Université de Moneréal 3050, Edovard-Monepeti Biv, GRIP P.O. Box 6128, succursale Centre-ille Montreal, Quebec H3C 317 Telephone: 514.343.6111, extension 2541 Fac 514:343.6962 E-mail: cedje-ceecd@umontrealca Websites: wow excellence-carlychldhood.ca and wow ske-eed.ca Ino ane rae emi wt ne edn chill dev unicef