Cognitive explanations of gender development: Kohlberg's theory

Question 1

Conservation

Answer 1

The ability to understand that basic properties of an object remain unchanged despite superficial changes in appearance

Question 2

Pre-operational

Answer 2

A stage in Piaget’s theory of cognitive development where a child’s logic lacks internal consistency

Question 3

Stage 1: Gender labelling

Answer 3

Ages 2-3. Children label themselves and others as girl or boy, and man or woman. This label is based on outward appearance only, and changes as appearance changes. The way of thinking at this stage is pre-operational,

Question 4

Stage 2: Gender stability

Answer 4

Age 4. Children realise gender is consistent over time, boys grown into men, girls grow into women. They do not understand that gender is consistent across situations. Children under 7 are still swayed by outward appearances, they lack the ability to conserve.