cognitive explanations, kohlberg

Question 1

what is Kohlbergs theory

Answer 1

a child’s understanding of their gender becomes more sophisticated with age, called maturation

• go through 3 stages where there are approximate ages but transition is gradual
• universal theory, applied to everyone

Question 2

first stage, gender identity (labelling)

Answer 2

• 2 years old, a child correctly labels themselves as boy or girl
• 3 years old, can identify other people as male or female
• understanding does not stretch betont labelling and children are not aware that biological sex is permanent

Question 3

second stage, gender stability (stereotypes)

Answer 3

• 4 years old, realisation that their gender identity will remain consistent over time, cannot apply to other people and are confused with external changes in appearance (eg man with long hair)
• FOCUSES ON STEREOTYPES

Question 4

third stage, gender constancy (fixed)

Answer 4

• 6 years old, recognises that gender is both STABLE over time and CONSTANT across different situations, for themselves and others
• understand that a man with long hair is still male, not fooled by outward appearance
• child pays attention to gender appropriate behaviour (before this, child thought gender can change), when child internalises concept of gender, they go out unconsciously looking for evidence for their concept (stereotypes)
• LOOK FOR GENDER APPROPRIATE ROLE MODELS (SLT)