Gender and adolescent development

Abstract

This article summarizes and critiques recent trends in research and theory on the role of gender in adolescent development. First, gender differences in key areas of adolescent functioning are reviewed. Second, research on 3 constructs that are especially relevant to the investigation of within-gender individual differences in gender phenomena-gender typing, gender stereotypes, and gender identity-is discussed. Third, trends in theories of gender differentiation are identified. Throughout, issues of conceptualization and of methodology are discussed, and directions for future research are offered. © 2011 The Authors. Journal of Research on Adolescence © 2011 Society for Research on Adolescence.