Gender recognition is one of the first cognitive developments in a toddler. Many researchers in science and humanities have been very interested in the origin of gender recognition in toddlers and its effects on the development of social life. Some scientists have determined that gender is not something that is “hardwired” into your brain (Elliot, 1), it is a trait that is learned through experience and the way one is raised. Toddlers learn the roles they take on in their playgroups, as boys or girls, through their interaction with the influential adults in their lives and the limited social experiences they have encountered. “Knowledge of one's own gender and that of others can influence behavior. » (Campbell, 8 years old). Some scientists have concluded that children begin to “categorize themselves, their objects and characteristics as girl or boy, during their first 24 months of life” (Freeman, 357). This is when the child will begin to distinguish what is similar or different from them and the concept of “mine” and “not yours” comes into play (Levine, 456). Once this develops, toddlers will begin to expand their gender-specific play preferences over the first 36 months of life. This shows that a complex and fully developed mind is not necessary to understand the social structure of one's society. “Gender identity and behavioral differences between the sexes emerge largely during the first three to four years of life” (Campbell, 1). This means that by the age of three, children have already confined themselves to the limited and rigid restrictions of their gender. The effects manifest themselves in different ways depending on the child. Color is the most influential part of a young child's behavior...... middle of paper ...... encouraging boys to explore, while responding positively to girls' requests for help. » (Levine, 456). This creates girls who are good communicators and very aware of their emotions, but not always very independent. Some of these traits manifest themselves in the inevitable conflicts when play is involved. One of the biggest recent discoveries is that "children...as young as four years old...use social ostracism and other relatively subtle manipulative tactics intended to damage a child's self-esteem or social status." 'others' (Ostrov, 256). This is such a miraculous finding because it shows that children are capable of committing indirect aggression earlier than decades ago, showing that aggression in children is moving from physical aggression to a more mental attack. Since “boys emphasize dominance while girls emphasize intimacy,” they handle their aggression differently..