Cognitive explanations of gender - Kohlbergs theory

Question 1

Kohlbergs theory

Answer 1

• focused on the process of acquiring an understanding of gender
• gender understanding evolves in stages as children’s thinking matures with age
• children’s understanding of the world, its properties and how they fit into it becomes more complex as they grow and experience the world

Question 2

Gender Labelling

Answer 2

• age 2/3
• children label themselves and others as boys or girls based on outward appearance, such as clothes or hairstyle
• They may change gender labels if appearances change.
• Lacking internal logic in their thinking

Question 3

Gender stability

Answer 3

• age 4/5
• children understand that gender remains stable over time, but they don’t yet grasp that it remains constant in all situations
• They still judge gender based on appearance

Question 4

Gender constancy

Answer 4

• age around 6
• realize that gender is consistent across time and situations.
• learn about gender appropriate behaviors - — see gender as fixed and unchanging

Question 5

Stages of gender development

Answer 5

1. Gender labelling
2. Gender stability
3. Gender constancy

Question 6

Supporting Research

Answer 6

Siaby and Frey (1973)
- children could not correctly answer particular questions until 3/4 - gender development is progressive

Question 7

Challenging research

Answer 7

Methodological issues
- Bem found 40% of children were able to understand gender conservation regardless of clothing
Gender differences
- Huston (1985) found that boys are more resistant to engage in non stereotypical play activities than girls - gender development is different

Question 8

define conservation

Answer 8

ability to understand that objects keep the same properties even if presented in a different form e.g 2 halves are the same as one whole biscuit