cognitive explanation: gender schema theory

Question 1

explain the gender schema acquired with gender identity

Answer 1

• mental constructs that develop via experience and used by cognitive system = generalised representation of everything we know in relation to gender
• Martin and Halverson believed once child had developed gender identity age 2/3 they will begin to search the environment for info that encourages that development of gender schema
• contrasts with Kohlberg’s view as he believed that development of gender schema happenes after progression of all 3 stages

Question 2

evaluate supporting evidence for gender schema acquired with gender identity?

Answer 2

• STRENGTH
• Martin and Halverson found children under age of 6 were more likely to remember photos of gender consistent behaviour that is gender inconsistent
• 1 week later children tended to change the sex of the person carrying out gender inconsistent behaviour
• shows memory distortion to fit with existing gender schema’s

Question 3

explain direct behaviour and self understanding in the schema?

Answer 3

• for young children schemas are likely to be formed around stereotypes eg. girls play w/dolls
• by 6 they have a stereotypical idea of what is appropriate for a gender
• kids are likely to disregard info that doesn’t fit in with their existing schema

Question 4

evaluate support for rigid nature of gender beliefs?

Answer 4

STRENGTH

• gender schema’s can account for the fact that children tend to hold fixed gender attitudes, infer that causes conflict with their schema will be ignored (fem firefighter)
• children also display strong ‘in group bias’+pay more attention to their own experience
• M and H can explain children’s thinking on gender

Question 5

explain in group and out groups?

Answer 5

• ingroup: kids have better understanding of schemas that are more appropriate to their own genders
• outgroup: focus on info relevant to the opposite gender
• not until 8 do they develop schemas for both genders

Question 6

evaluate how group and out groups supports Kohlbergs theory?

Answer 6

• Stangor and Ruble
• suggested gender schema and gender constancy may have 2 different processes
• schema focused on how organisation of info affects memory
• constancy allows for children to when they have established what it means to be a boy or a girl they are motivated to find out more about this role