cognitive explanations of gender development: Kohlberg's theory

Question 1

Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 1

that a child’s understanding of gender becomes more sophisticated with age

Question 2

stage 1: gender identity

Answer 2

occurs between 2-3 years
children can label themselves but will change their gender label as appearance changes
not aware that sex is permanent

Question 3

stage 2: gender stability

Answer 3

around 4 years
recognise that gender is consistent but they do not recognise that gender is conistent across situations

Question 4

stage 3: gender constancy

Answer 4

aged 6 or 7
recognise gender is permanent
begin to identify with gender-appropraite behaviours

Question 5

evaluation: evidence to support the sequence of stages

Answer 5

Slaby and Frey’s study presented children with split-screen images of males and females performing the same task
children in gender constancy focused more on the same-sex model
supports Kohlberg’s theory as it suggests he was correct in his assumption that children will seek out gender-appropriate models

Question 6

evaluation: constancy is not supported

Answer 6

despite the supporting research, Bandura found that children as young as 4 felt ‘good’ about playing with gender-appropriate toys
contradicts Kohlberg’s theory but adds weight to the gender schema theory

Question 7

evaluation: methodological issues

Answer 7

theory was developed through the use of interviews of children as young as 2
children may have more complex thinking but a lack of vocabulary
what they express does not truly represent their understanding