Gender and sex identity in adolescents

• Author: A. I. Dobrescu/I. A. Atudorei
• Position: Transilvania University of Brasov/Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 67-74

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşo v

Series VII: Social Sciences • Law • Vol. 11 (60) No. 2 - 2018

GENDER AND SEX IDENTITY IN ADOLESCENTS

A. I. DOBRESCU1 I. A. ATUDOREI2

Abstract: This article presents the theoretical framework and results of

research carried out on adolescents regarding gender and sex identity. These

results indicate the approach of youth to masculinity and femininity from a

social point of view a s well as from a biological one. Socialisation factors that

influence the forming of these types of identities are: parents, the peer group

of friends and mates, and mass media.

Key words: gender identity, sexual identity, parental models, gender roles.

1. Introduction

This article describes the way in which gender identity is configure d in adolescents. In

literature, there are several components, such as social and personal identity, vocational,

moral-spiritual, or ethnic identity.

Starting with childhood, there are various questions regarding our existence as social

actors, our role in this world: Who am I? What am I doi ng on this earth? Where am I going

in life?

Identity shapes, as a well-organised concept, one’s own being and one’s relation to the

world; it consists of values, beliefs, and aims, to which the indivi dual is devoted (Harwood,

2010).

The construction of identity is continuous and c omplex and it lies ahead throughout

one’s entire life. The social roles that we play, as we mature, determine c ontinuous

changes in identity. We make commitments, especially in adolescence an d in adult age,

both on a personal and professional level, which will form various areas of identi ty.

Exploring new roles and opportunities, we interac t with new persons, and we acquire new

responsibilities. Thus, our identity is constantly changing (Marcia apud Harwood, 2010).

The concepts of gender and sex in a sociological sense are different in significance. Sex is

defined from an anatomical, biological, and hormonal standpoint (Iluţ, 2001).

From a socio-biologist standpoint, sex is set at the moment of conception, when both

parents contribute to the forming of the 23 pairs of chromosomes – the biological

inheritance of the child. The mother can contribute only X type chromosomes, while the

father can contribute either an X chromosome or a Y-chromosome. If the father

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, ada.dobrescu@unitbv.ro

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, ioana.atudo rei@unitbv.ro