The information acquired over the course of the semester, whether through text or visual media, clearly highlighted the importance of knowing how one's gender is identified and developed. Before reading this analysis of gender development, you should know that gender identity refers to “one's perception of oneself as a man, woman or transgender” (American Psychological Association , 2006). When gender identity and biological sex do not match, the individual may identify as transsexual or as belonging to another transgender category (cf. Gainor, 2000). For example, Jennifer in the book She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, which took us through the struggle of living a transgender life from start to finish. Furthermore, the formation of gender identity is influenced by social factors, such as family, friends, environment, etc. For example, fathers tend to be more involved when their sons engage in gender-appropriate activities, such as playing baseball or football, rather than wanting to become a dancer or cheerleader. When it comes to the development of gender identity, this is a more complex issue to deal with, as it requires attention to all aspects of the person's life, even before they are born. (Swaab, 2004), to a point in their lives where they are settled and satisfied with their identity. The American Psychological Association states that although development is very fluid in young children, it is generally thought to form between the ages of 3 and 6, but no matter how many transgender individuals there are, they are not capable of embrace their true gender identity until much later in life, largely because of societal stigma associated with these identities. Studies by Kohlberg also indicate that children develop a gender identity...... middle of article....... 2014.Swaab, Df. “Sexual differentiation of the human brain: relevance to gender identity, transsexualism, and sexual orientation.” Gynecological Endocrinology 19.6 (2004): 301-312. Informa Santé. Internet. April 7, 2014. Pinquart, Martin and Silvia Sörensen. "Influences of socioeconomic status, social network, and skills on subjective well-being in later life: a meta-analysis..." Psychology and Aging 15.2 (2000): 187-224. American Psychological Association. Internet. April 8, 2014. Egan, Susan K. and David G. Perry. "Gender Identity: A Multidimensional Analysis with Implications for Psychosocial Adjustment..." Developmental Psychology 37.4 (2001): 451-463. Print.Boylan, Jennifer Finney. She is not there: a life of two kinds. New York: Broadway Books, 2003. Print. Gauntlett, David. Media, gender and identity: an introduction. London: Routledge, 2002. Print.