In chapter 11, we learned that children are developing their gender identity as toddlers and young children. In this chapter, five theories (behaviorism, social cognitive theory, cognitive developmental theory, gender schema theory, and the gender self-socialization model) were proposed to explain how gender identity develops and the consequences of gender stereotyping in early childhood on later gender identity were described. Some have proposed a new approach to combating early gender stereotypes: Gender-Neutral Preschools. Please read the following article about these gender neutral schools. (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-14038419)

Do you think we should adopt gender-neutral preschools in the U.S.? Provide three (3) reasons why you believe we should or should not adopt gender-neutral preschools in the U.S. You should use at least one of the five gender identity theories (behaviorism, social cognitive theory, cognitive developmental theory, gender schema theory, and the gender self-socialization model) as support for your reasons. For example, you can answer the question: does the theory you’ve selected suggest that children’s gender identity is influenced by those factors manipulated/modified in these gender-neutral preschools? Your answer should appropriately use/cite research. You must have at least 3 references. For this assignment, you may use reputable websites, peer-reviewed journal articles, chapters and books. You may not use your textbook as a citation. 

Please note your responses to the prompt may be randomly selected to be run through Turnitin Software for concerns related to plagiarism and use of AI or automated software such as ChatGPT. Please use your own words when completing these discussion board responses.