Gender differences in identity development: issues of process, domain and timing

Adolescence has been designated as the first time in one's life span when the identity concerns of developing one's values, beliefs, and goals become salient (Erikson, 1968). Theorists and empiricists have suggested that males and females may address the identity task differently. In three separate studies conducted with early to late adolescents, gender comparisons were made regarding: (1) the process by which their identities are formed; (2) the domains in which they might define themselves; and (3) the time in which this task might be initiated. It was found that both genders used the identity statuses (process) comparably, except for foreclosure which characterized males significantly more than females. Both genders used the identity process similarly in the domains of vocational choice, religious beliefs, and sex-role orientation. Males were significantly more likely to be foreclosed and females, diffuse, in the area of political ideology. Females were significantly more likely to be in moratorium or identity achieved with regard to family roles. In two of the three studies, no timing differences were found. The findings from a third study may reflect a greater complexity of the identity task for some female high school seniors as they confront intrapersonal and interpersonal goals simultaneously.