At what stage does gender socialization begin?

Gender socialization begins at infancy, as this is the stage when individuals are first introduced to societal norms and expectations regarding gender roles. From birth, children are often treated differently based on their assigned gender, which influences their development. For instance, infants may be dressed in gendered clothing, given specific types of toys, and their behaviors may be responded to in ways that reinforce traditional ideas of masculinity and femininity.

This early exposure sets the groundwork for how individuals will perceive themselves and how society will perceive them throughout their lives. Gender socialization continues to evolve through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood, but its foundations are laid in infancy, making it a critical period for developing gender identity and roles. Children learn about gender expectations through interactions with parents, caregivers, peers, and the media, all of which are steeped in cultural norms from the very beginning of their lives.