Cognitive explanations for gender development - Gender Schema Theory Flashcards
define gender schemas
gender schemas are mental representations made up of beliefs and expectations about each gender and gender appropriate behaviour that are derived from experience.
What happens to the schema as the child matures
it becomes more complex
how are children exposed to gender related information
- parents behaviour
- social media
- teacher’s behaviour
- family members
- peers
- media
what type of process is the gender schema theory
it is an active process
explain how gender schema is an active process
children pay attention to information relevant to their own gender and ignore/ disregard information about the other gender and information that does not their schema.
What happens by age 6 in GST
At age 6 the child has a fixed and stereotypical view of what is appropriate for its gender
What are ingroups and outgroups
Children have a better understanding of the schema for their own gender (in group).
They do not pay attention to info about the opposite gender (outgroup)
At what age do children develop schemas about both genders
age 8
What does a strong sense of in-group identity do
boosts the child’s self esteme
What age does GST suggest a child has established a gender identity at
2/3 year old they will actively search for info that encourages the development of their ingroup schema
Give research for GST
Martin and Halverson 1983
Outline Martin and Halverson 1983
Martin and Halverson 1983
- showed children gender consistent images and gender inconsistent images.
- one week later the children were better able to recall gender consistent pictures than gender inconsistent ones.
- children changed the sex of the person carrying out the task in the gender inconsistent image when asked to recall.
- this shows that children disregard or misremeber information that is not consistent with their gender schemas’.
Evaluate GST
- S - supporting evidence - Martin and Halverson 1983
- W - ignores social factors such as reinforcement
