At what age do children typically achieve gender constancy?

Children typically achieve gender constancy around the ages of 4 to 5 years. This developmental milestone is part of a broader understanding of gender identity and involves recognizing that gender remains consistent over time and across different situations. At this stage, children understand that while a person's external appearance may change (such as clothing or hairstyles), their gender remains the same. This realization marks a significant cognitive development, demonstrating an emerging understanding of the stability of gender in social contexts.

Younger children, around 2 to 3 years, may be aware of gender labels but lack a deeper understanding of gender constancy. They may think that changing appearance can change gender, which reflects a more superficial grasp of the concept. As children approach 6 to 7 years, they usually have a firmer understanding of gender roles and stereotypes, but the foundational grasp of gender constancy is typically solidified earlier, around the ages of 4 to 5.