Gender constancy refers to the concept that one's sex remains the same despite superficial changes in appearance or behavior ; understanding that maleness and femaleness do not change over situations or personal wishes. It is the realization in the young child that one’s gender does not normally change over the life span: when children learn the biological basis of gender and that one's gender does not change. The concept that gender remains the same despite changes in physical appearance, time, and behavior; includes gender identity, gender stability, and gender consistency.