1. THEORIES OF GENDER DEVELOPMENT

2. GENDER DEVELOPMENT: Being born a girl or a boy has implications that carry considerably beyond the chromosomal, hormonal, and genital differences. Virtually all of human functioning has a gendered cast--appearance, mannerisms, communication, temperament, activities at home and outside, aspirations, and values.

3. THEORIES: 1.SOCIAL COGNITIVE THEORY It specifies how gender conceptions are constructed from the complex mix of experiences and how they operate in concert with motivational and self- regulatory mechanisms to guide gender-linked conduct throughout the life course.

4. 2. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY The essence of cognitive developmental theory emphasis motivational consequences of gender concepts; the active, self-initiated view of ; and focus on developmental patterns--is highlighted and contrasted with social- cognitive views.

5. - refers to the theory that children learn about what it means to be male and female from the culture in which they live. According to this theory, children adjust their behaviour to fit in with the gender norms and expectations of their culture. 3. GENDER SCHEMA THEORY