Differential Sex Learning in Early Childhood

Abstract

Any sensitive parent or researcher is well aware of the tremendous importance of the first few years of a child's life to his future development and well-being. The parent considers the needs of the child as well as the expectations of society and then attempts to mold and shape this crying, struggling organism into a self-sustaining functional member of society. Each culture in its wisdom promotes those behaviors and values that are easiest to establish biologically. Until recently, the biological guidelines were clearcut. A parent would observe the sex of the newborn infant and proceed to teach the child in accord with the prescribed cultural pattern. However, changes in cultural necessities have alerted the sensitive parent to reexamine the needs of the individual child in light of the latest medical and psychological knowledge.