cognitive explanations: gender schema theory Flashcards
1
Q
who proposed this
A
Martin and Halverson 1981
2
Q
what was the study
A
- 1983
- found children under 6 were more likely to remember photographs of stereotypically gender-appropriate behaviour than photos of gender inappropriate behaviour when tested a week later
- children changed the gender of the person carrying out the gender-inappropriate tasks when asked to recall them so their behaviour was now appropriate.
3
Q
what does it mean by ingroup and outgroup information
A
- children have a much better understanding of the schema that are appropriate to their own gender (the ingroup).
- bc children pay more attention to info relevant to their own gender identity rather than that of the other (outgroup)
- ingroup identity helps a child establish better self esteem
4
Q
how does gender schema determine behaviour
A
- schemas are likely to be formed around stereotypes like boys play with trucks and girls play with dolls.
- provides a framework that directs experience as well as a childs understnding of themselves.
- by age 6 they have a fixed idea of what is appropriate for each gender
5
Q
what are the strengths
A
- their own study- provides support for gender schema theory which predicts that children under 6 would do this.
- gender schema theory can account for cultural differences in stereotypically gender-appropriate behaviour. In traditional cultures that believe women should take a nuturing role, children will adopt this view.
6
Q
what are the limitations
A
- gender identity probably develops earlier than Matin and Halverson suggested. Longitudinal study of 82 children (Zosuls et al. 2009) looked at onset of gender identity. Data attained from twice weekly reports from mothers on their childrens language from age 9-21 alongside videotaped analysis of the children at play . Measured when children labelled themselves as a boy/girl. Occured at average around 19 mnths.
