Nature vs. nurture Gender identity

although formation of gender identity not understood, many factors have been suggested influencing development. in particular, extent determined socialization (environmental factors) versus innate (biological) factors ongoing debate in psychology, known nature versus nurture . both factors thought play role. biological factors influence gender identity include pre- , post-natal hormone levels. while genetic makeup influences gender identity, not inflexibly determine it.

social factors may influence gender identity include ideas regarding gender roles conveyed family, authority figures, mass media, , other influential people in child s life. when children raised individuals adhere stringent gender roles, more behave in same way, matching gender identity corresponding stereotypical gender patterns. language plays role: children, while learning language, learn separate masculine , feminine characteristics , unconsciously adjust own behavior these predetermined roles. social learning theory posits children furthermore develop gender identity through observing , imitating gender-linked behaviors, , being rewarded or punished behaving way, being shaped people surrounding them through trying imitate , follow them.

a well-known example in nature versus nurture debate case of david reimer, otherwise known john/joan . baby, reimer went through faulty circumcision, losing male genitalia. psychologist john money convinced reimer’s parents raise him girl. reimer grew girl, dressing in girl clothes , surrounded girl toys, did not feel girl. after tried commit suicide @ age 13, told had been born male genitalia, underwent surgery reconstruct. went against money’s hypothesis biology had nothing gender identity or human sexual orientation.