Gender and Development

Children are born into a world infused with gendered information. An understanding of what it is to be a boy or girl can be critical in forming social relationships, social identities, and learning how to think and behave. Gender and Development is an important new volume that charts how children practice these gendered identities at different ages and in different social contexts

Taking a socio-cognitive approach, and integrating both theoretical and applied perspectives, the book looks at a range of contexts in which gender affects development and socialisation, from the child’s place in the family unit and their interaction with parents and siblings, to the influence of communication with peers over the internet. Throughout the chapters an age-old issue is addressed through a contemporary, empirically focused perspective – namely the nature and extent of equality between the genders, and how difficult it is for attitudes, perceptions and stereotypes to change. Key social issues are covered, including pro-social behaviour, career choice and academic competencies.

Gender and Development brings together some of the latest research in this important and enduring field of study. It is a timely and invaluable collection, and will be essential reading for all students and research in developmental psychology, social psychology and gender studies.

Patrick J. Leman is Professor of Psychology, Royal Holloway University of London, UK. He is Chair of the British Psychological Society Developmental Psychological Section and associate editor of the British Journal of Developmental Psychology. His research explores peer communication and learning in gender and ethnic interactions.

Harriet R. Tenenbaum is Reader at the University of Surrey, UK. She is the editor of the British Journal of Educational Psychology. Her research covers children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development in relationships.