Cognitive explanation - Gender schema theory

Question 1

Who proposed the gender schema theory?

Answer 1

Martin and Halverson

Question 2

What is the basis of the gender schema theory?

Answer 2

Understanding of gender changes with age (developmental). Shares Kohlberg’s view that children develop understanding of gender through actively structuring their own learning rather than passive observation and imitation.

Question 3

What are gender schemas?

Answer 3

A generalised representation of everything we know in relation to gender and gender-appropriate behaviour, developing via experience.

Question 4

What do Martin and Halverson say about when gender schemas start to develop?

Answer 4

After gender identity (2-3 years)
Children begin to search the environment for information encouraging development of gender schemas

Question 5

How does the ages Martin and Halverson say about gender schema development contrast Kohlberg?

Answer 5

Contrasts Kohlberg’s view that this process of searching for evidence to support schemas only begins after progressing through all 3 stages so around 7 years.

Question 6

How does gender schema determine behaviour?

Answer 6

For children schemas are likely to form around stereotypes and provides the framework that directs experience and understanding of themself. By age 6 usually fixed idea of what is appropriate.