Cognitive explanation - Kohlberg's theory

Question 1

what is Kohlberg’s theory of states of development?

Answer 1

the theory (66) based on idea that gender develops with age - parallel to intellect and biological maturity

Question 2

what is gender identity (stage)?

Answer 2

• age 2
• can identify themselves as male or female
• not aware that sex is permanent

Question 3

what is gender stability (stage 2)?

Answer 3

• age 4
• realisation that gender is constant - can’t apply logic to other situations
• confused by external changes like men with long hair

Question 4

what is gender constancy (stage 3)?

Answer 4

• age 6
• know gender remains constant and applies it to others
• no fooled by external changes

Question 5

what is imitation of role models?

Answer 5

• seek gender appropriate role models (links to SLT)

- believes kids look for evidence of gender constancy once they have a good concept at age 6

Question 6

+ evidence supports sequence of stages

Answer 6

• slaby and frey (75) kids shown images of men and women doing tasks - young ones spent same time on both but constant people focused on ones of same sex to them (actively seek role models)
• Monroe (84) did cross cultural study and results were the same in kenya and nepal

Question 7

• gender constacy not supported

Answer 7

• Bussey and Bandura (92) round kids as young as 4 like playing with gender appropriate toys
• contradicts kohl bergs but supports SLT

Question 8

• methodical issues

Answer 8

• theory developed by interviewing young children

- kids didn’t have good vocal so may have had good understanding but not able to express it