Abstract

This short-form cross-sectional sequential study investigated the development of masculinity and femininity during elementary school period. In 1996, Ss were 370 third an sixth graders in lower middle class. In 1998, 394 fifth and sixth graders were sampled in the same school. All subjects completed The Children's Sex Role Inventory. Analyses showed significant higher masculinity in grade 3 boys(in 1996) and grade 5 boys(in 1998) than grade 6 boys(in 1998). However, significant higher femininity was noted in grade 3 girls(1996) and grade 6 girls(1996) than grade 5 girls(in 1998). The results suggested that no significant change occurred in boys' masculinity from grade 3 to grade 5, while significant decrease occurred from grade 3 to 5 in girls' femininity. Gender-role developmental traits may need to be investigated by longitudinal sequential design has been discussed.