Cognitive explanations: Kohlberg's theory

Question 1

What is Kohlberg’s theory based on?

Answer 1

The idea that a child’s understanding of gendere becomes more sophisticated with age.

Question 2

What is biological maturation?

Answer 2

As the brain matures, so does thinking.

Question 3

How many stages are involved in gender development?

Answer 3

3

Question 4

What can a child do in stage 1 - gender identity?

Answer 4

• Identify themselves as girl or boy.
• Can identify other people as male or female.

Question 5

At what age does gender identity occur?

Answer 5

2

Question 6

What can a child do/not do in stage 2 - gender stability?

Answer 6

• Understand that they will always stay the same gender.
• Can’t apply this logic to other people.
• Get easily confused by outward appearances.

Question 7

At what age does gender stability occur?

Answer 7

4

Question 8

What can a child do/not do in stage 3 - gender constancy?

Answer 8

• Children know that gender remains the same across time and all situations.
• Aren’t confused by outward appearances.
• Begin to seek out gender-appropriate role models.

Question 9

At what age does gender constancy occur?

Answer 9

6

Question 10

One strength of Kohlberg’s theory = Evidence suggests that gender stereotyping does appear around the age of 6.

Answer 10

• Darmon: told kids stry about a boy named George, who played with dolls. 4 year olds said this was fine, but 6 year olds said that it was wrong.
• They had gone beyond understanding what girls and boys do, to developing rules about what they ought to do.
• Would suggest children achieved constancy have formed stereotypes.

Question 11

One limitation of Kohlbergs theory = Supporting research relies on unsatisfactory methods to assess gender constancy.

Answer 11

• Sandra Bem: criticised methods in the studies between gender and cognitive development.
• Most studies focus on the whether a child knows gender stays the same despite appearance and context, this can only confuse children as this is how we demarcate gender.
• Suggests the typical way of testing gender constancy may misrepresent what children actually know.

Question 12

One limitation of Kohlbergs theory = Other researchers suggest there may be different degrees of constancy.

Answer 12

• Martin et al: suggests there may be different degrees.
• An initial degreemay orient children to the importance of gender and this may develop before 6. A second degree may heighten childrens responsiveness to gender norms.
• Suggests the acquisition of constancy may be a more gradual process.