Children by the age of about
two are able to correctly label themselves as a boy
or a girl. But it is not until later that they understand
that gender is a stable concept, e.g. that boys cannot
become mothers. Being able to identify themselves in
terms of gender helps children develop a sense of categorical
self and helps define appropriate behaviour for boys
and girls. Children develop their gender roles in part
through imitation of models, so parents’ reactions
to the behaviour of children are an important influence
on children’s developing sense of gender identity.
Parents who try to raise their children in a non-sexist
way have encountered difficulties, as other influences
such as the media and society itself can counter their
attempts.
If children are shown individual differences
between people, that different people believe different
things, they can see that contradictory beliefs and
behaviours can co-exist, that the rules for their family
may not be true of the family next door, but both are
valid.
A child uses comparison with
others to see how he or she fits into different categories.
In order to evaluate if he or she is short, tall, clever
or shy, a child either has to compare themselves physically
with others, or consider their evaluation by others.
This contrast between self and others
helps the child to develop an increasingly complex understanding
about self. Children’s self-descriptions change
as they become more able to evaluate themselves and
develop a sense of self-worth and self-esteem. Children
seem to think about themselves in different ways as
they get older. Younger children seem to focus more
on physical features, activities and behaviours, whereas
older children mention more psychological characteristics.
So, by the age of about 18, individuals are able to
describe themselves in terms of the world of emotions,
attitudes, secrets and wishes. Self-reflection is focused
inwards, on their inner, private world.
This test
is designed to illustrate how people of different ages
define themselves.
Once you take the test, you can then
compare yourself to the database of other people who
have taken the test to see how you compare with others
in your age group, how you compare with people from
other age groups and how people differ according to
gender. Alternatively you can view the database without
taking the test first. Try taking the test with a child
and see how your results compare.
References
MIELL, D. (1995) ‘Developing a Sense of Self’
in
BARNES, P. (ed.) Personal,
Social and Emotional Development of Children,
Oxford, Blackwell Publishers
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