Gender Changes In Adolescence

It is commonly known that the process of gender socialisation begins with parents awaiting their child’s arrival and the anxiety that emerges from not knowing if they are expecting a boy or a girl (Miller, Ruble, Martin & Fabes, 2011). Research has shown that post birth, parents tend to question the behaviours of their children and often wonder if they are due to genes or personality- mostly because the children are seen to act in an unexpected manner or out of character (Miller et al., 2011). This kind of behaviour may vary from how the child may or may not act as a boy or a girl, to the kind of speech the child uses (Miller et al., 2011). Gender development researchers have- throughout, studied and focused on the nature of change that persists

According WHO (2016), this period takes place right after the developmental stage of childhood- prior adulthood and takes place from the age of 10 (early adolescence) to 19 years old (late adolescence). In this stage, growth is characterised by the biological process of puberty, and although these biological determinants are universal, one’s socio-economic status, diet, stressful life events (APA, 2002) and culture determine the onset and defining characteristics of puberty (WHO, 2016). Adolescence is said to be a preparation stage/phase of adulthood (WHO, 2016). However, it is not only a stage of physical and sexual development- but one of identity, abstract thinking and independence development (WHO, 2016). This independence emphasises the socially influenced decisions that are usually observed from children in this stage (WHO, 2016). These include risky behaviours such as smoking, underage drinking, unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and/or sexually transmitted infections (WHO, 2016). This results from the fact that adolescents do not understand the causal relationship of behaviour and consequence (WHO,

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM):

FGM is a cultural practice that is practiced in some parts of South Africa (Kitui, 2012). It is a form of initiation of girls into womanhood (Kitui, 2012). This practice takes place as a result of sexual development and can be practiced especially in adolescents (Kitui, 2012). This traditional practice involves the cutting of the female clitoris as an introduction to growth and womanhood (Kitui, 2012). This results from the physical changes that emerge as a result on puberty (Kitui, 2012).

2.1.2. Early and Forced Marriages:

According to research done by Mapumulo (2015), young girls are forced into marriage as soon as they enter the stage of puberty. This research discovered that some girls were forced into marriage by the young age of 15, and some by 18 years old (Mapumulo, 2015). This was due to the fact cultural beliefs were around the notion of girls being ready for marriage (Mapumulo, 2015). In KwaZulu-Natal, this practice is called ‘Ukuthwala’ in which adolescent girls are abducted and are therefore forced into marriage with the highest bidder (Mapumulo, 2015). Furthermore, it has been reported that some girls that are forced into marriage were married by a man who took their virginity (by rape) because they are