What strategies might you use to apply your new understanding to social work practice?

Gender identity—identifying oneself as male or female—is a critical component of an individual’s life-span development. Misconceptions and stereotypes abound with regard to gender, and you may bring personal misconceptions and stereotypes to your work with clients.

As you read the resources this week, what concepts seem especially relevant to you as a social worker? Are you able to identify any personal misunderstandings about the formation of gender identity? What strategies might you use to apply your new understanding to social work practice?

By Day 3

Post a Discussion that includes the following:

1. A new understanding you have gained in the resources about gender identity

2. An explanation of how individuals’ gender identity affects their development through young and middle adulthood

3. A strategy you might use to apply your understanding of gender identity development to social work practice