Cogntive Explanaton: Kohlbergs Theory Flashcards
Explain Kohlbergs theory of stages of development
-cognitive-developmental theory of gender is based on idea that child’s understanding of gender (gender appropriate roles, attitudes) becomes more sophisticated with age
-But the link with age isn’t due to experience, comes as result of biological maturation
-understanding of gender runs parallel to intellectual development as child matures biologically
-gender development thought to progress thru 3 stages
-ages suggested are approximate and reflect the transition thru each stage is gradual and not sudden
Whats stage 1 of kohlbergs theory of gender development
Gender identity
-age 2
-children able to correctly identify themselves as boy or girl
-age 3, most are able to identify others as boys/men and girls/women, and correctly respond to Qs ‘which one of these is like you?’ If shown a picture of man/woman
-understanding of gender runs parallel is simple labelling , but dont view gender as fixed
Eg 2 and half yo boy may say ‘when I grow up i will be a mummy’
Whats stage 2 of kohlbergs theory of gender development
Gender stability
-age 4 , realisation they will always stay same gender
-children can’t apply this logic to other people in other situations
-often confused by external changes , may describe a man who has long hair as a woman and believe people change gender if they engage in activities more associated with different gender - builder who’s a woman, man who’s a nurse
Whats stage 3 of kohlbergs theory of gender development
Gender constancy
-age 6/7, recognise gender constant across time and situations
-this applies to other peoples gender as well as their own
-no longer fooled by changes in outward appearance
-may regard man wearing dress as unusual , child knows its a man ‘underneath’
-Children at this age also seek out gender-appropriate role models to identify w and imitate
-connects closely with SLT (but argue these processes occur at any age rather than only after age 6)
-for kohlberg, once child has fully developed , internalised gender concept, they embark upon active search for evidence to confirm it , begin tendency to gender stereotype
Whats a strength of kohlbergs stage theory and evidence to suggest that gender stereotyping emerges around age 6 (gender constancy) as predicted
Damon 1977 told children story about George, boy who liked to play with dolls
Children asked to comment on story
4 year olds said it was fine if George wanted
Contrast, 6 yo thought it was wrong for George to play w dolls -> gone beyond understanding what boy/girls do , and to develop rules on gender stereotyping
Would suggest children who have achieved constancy have formed rigid stereotypes regarding gender-appropriate behaviour
Whats the counterpoint to research support for kohlbergs stage theory in gender stereotyping at constancy stage
Other research challenges idea that interest in gender-appropriate behaviour only develops Age 6
Bussey and Bandura found children as young as 4 reported ‘feeling good’ about playing with gender appropriate toys , and ‘bad’ about doing the opposite
Contradicts what kohlberg theory predicts , but may support gender schema theory , suggests children begin to absorb gender appropriate info as soon as identify themselves as boy/gilr
Whats a limitation of kohlberg stage theory is that supporting reasearch relies on unsatisfactory methods to assess gender constancy
Bem criticised methodology used in studies of link between gender/cog development
Key test of gender constancy in studies is whether child understands that gender stays the same despite changes in appearance/ context
Bem argued it is little wonder younger children are confused by this as in r own culture, this how we demarcate one gender form another
Identify men/women thru clothes, hairstyles
In reality best way to identify male/female is physically , like genitalia , which younger children dont seem to understand
Bem demonstrated 40% children age 3-5 able to demonstrate constancy if were shown naked pic of child-to-be-identified first, basing judgements on more than clothes
Suggests typical way of testing gender constancy may misrepresent what children acc know
Whats a further limitation of kohlbergs theory and that other researchers have suggested there may be differing degrees of gender constancy
Martin et al
Praises kohlbergs theory for recognising children’s understanding of own/others gender guides their thoughts/behaviours
Point out tho that exactly when/how this understanding affects children’s gender-related behaviour remains unclear
Martin et al suggest may Be difference degrees of GC
An initial degree may orient children to importance of Gender -in choosing friends , seeking info, and this may develop before age 6, like bussey and Bandura suggest
Second degree of constancy may heighten children’s responsiveness to gender norms , particularly under conflict , like choosing appropriate clothes/attitudes
Suggests acquisition of constancy may be more gradual , and earlier than kohlberg thought
