Age and Gender on personal Development

Over the past few decades, large number of studies in the social sciences have tried to examined

the differences of age and gender on the development of individuals and the results have

highlighted some valuable meanings. Modern society is now at the stage of development

characterized by extraordinarily pressing problems, which have to do with the self-identification

of men and women. This is directly related to the development of the gender identity of an

individual. The need for identity is a fundamental need of any individual that is essential for their

mental health. Gender identity is a part of the dynamic structure of one’s personality and is one

of the regulators of human behavior during acquisition of various social roles. Reference to a

certain gender determines one’s interests and formation of a special system of ideas about

oneself as a person. Gender identity determines to a great extent the system of values, motives

and patterns of human behavior. It is no doubt that a person’s cultural background represents a

powerful and pervasive set of environmental influences that may shape the expression, sources,

and perhaps also their development. As a result, Knowledge about cultural differences versus

similarities can therefore help identify the underlying conditions and mechanisms responsible for

the normative gender and age differences in relation to personal development.

When we dive into some of the personal development theories of Erikson, Freud and others, we see a

staggering resemblance of individuals trying to prove themselves to people which, when successful,

plays a huge role in their growth mindset but can have some selectivity attached and also there exists

those that are willing to admit the for improvement in various aspects thereby seeking out challenges

and welcoming any feedback that comes with it and that includes criticism. As I grew from

childhood all through to adulthood, I evolved gradually from a proving to an improving mindset
which comes as a result of more self-aware as time went by and the development of confidence. This

development, though gradual, have had its toll on me allowing me to do things I feel comfortable

with as well as engaging myself in things that will be fruitful in the future. As a result of age, I’ve

grown from having to look at things one sided to a more aware and confident person that will see the

occurrence of events in different perspectives.

Unfortunately, for some reason, society deems women to be less confident about themselves and this

puts a question mark on their competence and makes them prove themselves. On several occasions,

I’ve had to show how good I am against all odds, with biasness involved, to those who tend to see or

associate weakness and strength to a certain gender and as such this gave me a sense of purpose as to

how to deal with such individuals in terms of proving them wrong and developing into the person I

want. This changes my behavioral mindset in viewing things I haven’t done as challenges to

obtaining new knowledge by putting in the necessary effort needed to push me forward.

Furthermore, I feel as we come of age, we tend to be more acceptance of the little things society

portrays differently which comes a result of experience, awareness and the love of freedom to have

the courage to see things in a different plight. As a result, how we view people will be solely based

on their competence rather than how they look. For that reason, both age and gender will play a huge

role in my future personal development as both will help shape my growing mindset into a powerful

tool/weapon worthy of shaping my path to glory.

Works Cited
Jack Zenger, J. F. (2016, January 05). Harvard Business Reviews. Retrieved from Harvard Business
Reviews: https://hbr.org/2016/01/how-age-and-gender-affect-self-improvement

Natalia Flotskaya, S. B. (2018). Gender Identity Development among Teenagers Living in the Subarctic
Region of Russia. Behavioral Sciences.

Wiebke Bleidorn, R. C. (2015). Age and Gender Differences in Self-Esteem—A Cross-Cultural Window.
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 396-410.