As methods of study have changed, researchers have been forced to see the development of sex role as an increasingly complicated process. Two studies are reported that were attempts to bring together 2 methodologies: cognitive development and social learning. In Study 1, 90 male and 90 female 18-54 mo olds were tested using a gender identification interview. Ss’ gender understanding followed the sequence predicted by L. Kohlberg (1966)– identity, stability, and constancy. However, Ss’ level of gender understanding was unrelated to the adoption of sex-typedbehaviors. In Study 2, 64 20-30 mo olds were tested for understanding of gender labels, gender identity, and sex-typed behaviors. Sex of playmates and boys’ play with feminine toys were related to understanding of verbal gender labels.