Abstract
This paper asserts that society has a great effect on shaping the identities of its citizens. The paper explains that because gender identity is an evolving concept, which changes from generation to generation, literature is central to our understanding of masculinity and femininity, whether we live in the time at which the works are being written or whether we are trying to learn more about a culture that existed over 200 years ago.

From the Paper
"Gender identity is an evolving concept, which changes from generation to generation. The many forms of identity that we take for granted today did not exist for previous generations. Rather, the concepts of identity and individuality are products of the time in which we live due to the evolution of standards and mores over time. Typically, these evolving identities, standards, and mores are reflected in the poetry, fiction, and other literature of the time. Therefore, literature is central to our understanding of masculinity and femininity. While literature reflects the thinking of a particular time, not every..."

Tags:wollstonecraft, gender identity, fantomina

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses human development with relation to gender identity. The writer focuses on the beliefs Jean Piaget and his developmental stages. The writer maintains that factors such as family, culture, community and the greater society all have the ability to affect both behavioral and cognitive processes, which also affect gender identity.

From the Paper
"Developmentally infants begin to progress in the same manner, whether they are boys or girls. Piaget believed that all infants were born with the need to grow through assimilation, or the process of following the same patterns of action in relation to the objects around them. If the assimilation process did not function in connection with an object, then the infant used adaptation to find processes that would be useful. Piaget further believed that in this type of functioning the person was developing in the sensorimotor stage. Following the sensorimotor stage the infant or toddler entered into the ..."

Tags:psychology, development, gender

Abstract
The paper examines the essays "I Won. I'm Sorry," by Maria Burton Nelson, "Gender Role Behaviors and Attitudes" by Aaron Devor and "The Gender Blur" by Deborah Blum that explore whether gender identity is primarily biological or largely socially constructed. The paper discusses how women and men continually receive messages, from advertising to their nurseries, that indicate the roles they should assume in society. The paper then discusses those who struggle with their identities from a young age, whose gender identity is all about their own unique biology. The paper therefore comes to the conclusion that gender identity is a blend of social constructs and each person's own unique biological makeup.

From the Paper
"Gender identity is most certainly socially constructed in our country, and it begins at the time of birth. Little baby boys come home from the hospital to blue, yellow, red, or green rooms (never pink), decorated with sailboats, jungle animals, or trains, while little girls come home to frilly pink rooms decorated with ruffles, fairies, princesses, and stuffed animals. From then on, the gender roles for little boys and girls become even clearer, and they point children down the "right" paths that little boys and little girls should always follow at a very young age. Little boys grow up learning they do not play with dolls, cook, or care about what they wear, while little girls grow up learning they do not get dirty, do not play competitive sports, and never outshine the boys on the playground or in the classroom."

Tags:society, biology, advertising, media, femininity, masculinity

Abstract
In many boardrooms throughout the country, the sexual orientation and gender identity of their employees have entered the discussion on the policy for an equal employment opportunity (EEO). This paper is intended for management in a major corporation who are deciding whether they should include gender identity into their EEO policy. By providing background on societal changes, studies on affirmative action, definitions of certain gender terms, and specific examples of rising gender concerns in the workforce, this paper recommends that a major corporation include gender identity into the EEO policy.

Outline:
Executive Summary
Problem
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Organization's Interests in this Issue
Solutions
Pre-Existing Policies
Policy Options
Pros and Cons
Recommendations

From the Paper
"Less than ten years ago, none of the major corporations in America had included gender identity within their policies on employee rights and discrimination. As the expressions of the male and female genders blur and as new conflicts regarding gender rise within the workforce, it has been important for corporations to explore this with respect to employee rights and provide protection for their employees based on gender expression. For instance, it has often been thought that gender stereotyping has been a woman's problem. However, according to the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, male-to-male gender harassment is on the rise (www.gpac.org). Additionally, many believe that it is only gay and transgender individuals who become targets for gender harassment. "

Tags:Public, Advocacy, Coalition, workforce

Abstract
This paper discusses gender identity and the way that the need to classify, label and categorize gender identity has polarized the push toward civil rights for all genderqueers. It discusses the impact of the pressure to conform to gender roles and expectations that come from early childhood. It concludes by discussing society's view of those that it attempts to categorize into specific gender identities and the need for more flexible ways to consider gender and sexuality.

From the Paper
"One of the most salient points that Wilchins raises in Queer Theory, Gender Theory is that gender seems to have become even more polarized since the LGBT movement has gained momentum. Yet neither Wilchins nor one of the authors who contributed to Genderqueer can aptly explain why gender cuts so deeply to the core of human identity and why the "ick factor" exists to begin with. The authors do explain that eliminating the "ick factor" depends on a wholesale paradigm shift beginning with language and discourse and gradually affecting media manifestations, education, and political policy changes. For example, butch women should no longer be labeled as "freaks," whether they are gay or straight. A woman who chooses to slip back and forth between butch and femme roles need not fear the repercussions of her style of dress, and a man who does the same would also be able to express his gender without having to label himself or describe his sexual preferences."

Tags:sexuality, femininity, transgender, gay

Abstract
This paper offers an overview and discussion of the role of hormones in human gender identity and behavior. The paper explains that gender distinctiveness is ultimately derivative of chromosomal structure and physical manifestation; however, this does not denote that psychosocial effects are absent. The paper adds that the process by which a child gains knowledge of the standards and responsibilities society has fashioned for his or her sexual category, plays a considerable role in the creation of its awareness of being male or female. For example, the paper states, if a child is raised as a female, it will believe it is female, and vice versa. The paper concludes that gender differentiation occurs before birth, and even though hormones present before birth determine the sex of the child, the way the child is looked upon has significant bearing on its personal gender identity; therefore, it is difficult to ascertain whether nature or nurture has the most influence, and as a consequence, the debate over nature versus nurture continues.

From the Paper
"Sociologists are predominantly concerned with gender characteristics and how this factor establishes gender roles. Gender characteristics emerge early in life and are most probably permanent by the time a child reaches four years of age. Even though the precise sources of gender identity continue to be unidentified, organic, emotional, and societal variables undoubtedly have some bearing on the process. Heredity, hormones which are present before and after birth, socialization and various other factors all work together to shape an individual's gender characteristics."

Tags:nature, nurture, sexual, orientation, male, female, role, genetic

Abstract
This paper reports the diagnostic criteria and typical course of gender identity disorder including the theories of this disorder and the etiology and prevalence of this disorder. Evidence-based treatments found to be most effective are also reported as well as a consensus and controversies of the disorder in this field of study.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Clinical Diagnosis
Cause and Prevalence of GID
Controversies in the Field
Evidence-Based Therapies
Summary and Conclusion

From the Paper
"The work of Duncan Osborne entitled: "Voices- Identity Crisis" relates the condition and the controversies very well in a story that tells of a five-year-old boy whom he treated. Later the child was treated as an adult. Osborne relates that generally these children who have been diagnosed with gender identity disorder grow up to be homosexual. Osborne reports a study conducted in the early 1980's by Green who finds that, among 44 such boys with gender identity disorder that: "...75% were either gay or bisexual and one wanted sex reassignment.""
According to Osborne, Psychologist Kenneth J. Zucker, head of Toronto's Child and Adolescent Gender Identity Service at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, is a "leading GID expert who has seen roughly 625 children or adolescents since 1978." (2003) According to Osborne, Zucker states that: "The majority of kids will have resolved their gender dysphoria and identify themselves as gay. We're also going to find that around 15% have a significant gender dysphoria that has persisted into adolescence and young adulthood to the point where they are wanting sex reassignment. If we add on to that a small minority of kids who report being heterosexual, we're seeing a real range of outcomes." (Osborne, 2

Tags:theories, assigned sex, cross-sex roles, mood disorders, surgery

Abstract
The paper provides a review of the literature and recommendations for practitioners. The paper shows how gender identity disorder (GID) treatment for children is inclusive of individual and group therapy and also separate individual and group therapy for parents. The paper relates that GID treatment for adults is also inclusive of therapy in addition to hormone therapy and reassignment surgery. The paper discusses how the research indicates that there is still a great deal that is unknown about GID. The paper maintains that practitioners must attempt treatments that have realized some positive outcomes.

Outline:
Introduction
Definition of Gender Identity Disorder
Children with GID
Treatments for Children With GID
Adults with GID
Treatments for Adults with GID
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The Natioanl Institutes of Health explains that the symptoms of GID in children include a disdain for their own genetalia, a desire to be the opposite sex, depression, rejection, isolation and anxiety. The symptoms of adult with GID include wanting to destory their genitals, dressing as the opposite sex, the desire to live their life as the opposite sex, rejection, depression and anxiety(Gender Identity Disorder). Now that we have garnered a greater understanding of GID, let us focus on the impact of GID on both children and adults and the treatments that are available for both children and adults."

Tags:transgender, sexuality, depression, anxiety, therapy, surgery

Abstract
An exploration of gender identity of women as their lives evolve from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. The paper discusses various factors that influence the development of this essential self-concept. It discusses the role of society, peers, family, and one's cultural surroundings, which all impact the development of gender awareness.

From the Paper
"Gender identity involves not only sexuality and sexual proclivities, as in the establishment of the sexuality of the transgendered. Female gender identity arises from how a woman interacts in and with society. Traditionally, conformation to society's norms was considered paramount. Society says that a young woman should be: assigned female at birth, be feminine, see herself as a woman, and be attracted to men. Therefore, consider the definitions of some basic concepts. Gender refers to the sociocultural facet of being male or female. Sex refers to the biological side of things. Gender Identity is an individual's sense of being male or female. Gender role is the set of expectations that prescribe how females or males should think, feel, and behave."

Tags:male, female, femininity, woman, sex

Abstract
Louise Erdrich, in her book Love Medicine, and John Neihardt, in his biographical novel Black Elk Speaks, both address the importance of gender in the daily lives of their characters. This paper compares the role of gender identity to each of the main characters in these novels and how the society in which they live influences their outlook.

From the paper:

"Louise Erdrich, like many of the characters in her novels and short stories, is part Native American, part something else ? in her case, her family is a mixture of a German-American father and a Chippewa mother. Erdrich's parents worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs as teachers on a nearby North Dakota reservation and she recalls that her father regularly recited memorized poetry ? Frost and Byron ? to her and her six siblings and it is no surprise that Erdrich started her literary career as a poet, supporting herself by working at a Kentucky Fried Chicken and on road construction crews. "

Tags:hierarchically, women, experience, human, society, American, matriarchy, strength, experience, civilization, leader, historical