Cognitive explanations of gender theory development: K.T

Question 1

Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 1

• The way we think changes as we get older because of physical changes in the brain
• Changes in gender thinking are because of age
• Introduced to an abstract way of thinking

Question 2

Stage 1: Gender Labelling

Answer 2

• Occurs between the ages of 2 and 3
• Label themselves as boy or girl due to outward appearance
• Superficial thinking/ Not consistent

Question 3

Stage 2: Gender stability

Answer 3

• Age 4: Children recognise gender is consistent over time (boy- man. GIrl-woman)

Question 4

Stage 3: Gender constancy

Answer 4

• Age 6, children realise gender is constant across situations
• Begin to learn about gender appropriate behaviour

Question 5

Evaluation- Research evidence

Answer 5

• Thompson(1975)- Two years were 76% correct identifying their sex
• Three year olds were 90% correct
• As children grow they pay more attention to gender appropriate models, furthering gender development

Question 6

Evaluation- Gender constancy may not be required

Answer 6

• Martin and Little (1990)- Children under the age of 4 showed no sign of gender stability or constancy, but showed strong gender stereotypes

Question 7

Evaluation-Age difference

Answer 7

Children’s lives have become very different since Kohlberg’s theory was proposed. Due to media etc
- The actual ages may be younger than he proposed