Authentic gender development in non-binary children

Bibliographic Data

ID13076562
AuthorsF Salinas-Quiroz (0000-0002-1257-6379, Tufts University, corresponding author), Noah Sweder (Tufts University)
Year2023
Volume8
Pages1177766-1177766
Publication date2023-06-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Sociology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2297-7775 • E-ISSN: 2297-7775
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fsoc.2023.1177766
PMID37408998
OpenAlexW4381334906
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited35

At present, the conceptualization of gender as a spectrum as well as non-binary identities have become increasingly visible and embraced. We are using non-binary as an umbrella term that refers to individuals who self-identify as a gender outside the gender binary, and/or who do not identify as always and completely being just a man or a woman. Our goal is to begin to create a framework for understanding gender development in non-binary children ages 0 to 8, since previous models have operated on cissupremacist assumptions, not applicable to non-binary people. As there is virtually no empirical data on the subject, we conducted a thorough literature review of current gender development theories and used our positionality as non-binary researchers to postulate two minimum criteria for non-binary gender identification: that a child learns about the existence of non-binary identities, and that they do not identify with the definitions they have been taught of what a boy or girl is. Children can learn about non-binary identities through media and knowledgeable community members and can develop "gender traits" authentically and come to identify as non-binary through biological predispositions, parental support, modeling, and being in peer groups that are supportive of identity exploration. Yet, children are not simply a product of their nature and nurture, as evidence has shown that humans are active agents in their gender development from a young age

Binary number · Binary opposition · Conceptualization · Developmental psychology · Epistemology · Gender identity · Gender psychology · Girl · Identification (biology · Identity (music · Nature versus nurture · Sociology · Computer Science · Gender Roles and Identity Studies · Gender Studies · Gender Studies in Language · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Mathematics · Psychology · Social Psychology

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