Gender

Question 1

How is gender explained in the learning approach?

Answer 1

1. Children behave in ways that are thought to be appropriate or correct for their gender
2. They are rewarded for this which reinforces their behaviours

Question 2

What is differential reinforcement?

Answer 2

1. Boys and girls are reinforced differently for different behaviours
2. It’s usually driven by the father
3. This can determine gender identity

Question 3

How is gender learned in a social context?

Answer 3

1. Direct reinforcement- repetition of gender typical behaviours as they get the most rewards from it
2. Modelling
3. Vicarious reinforcement- watching other people get rewarded for behaviours and punished for others to either encourage or stop different behaviours
4. Identification- can be through social media

Question 4

Explain the Baby X study

Answer 4

1. 6 Month old baby dressed in typical gendered clothes
2. Behaviour of the mothers changed depending on what the baby was wearing
3. When dressed as girls, baby was given dolls and soft teddies to play with
4. When dressed as boys, baby was given trucks and cars to play with

Question 5

How does this explain changing gender norms?

Answer 5

1. There are less clear lines between masculinity and femininity
2. Androgyny is more acceptable now

Question 6

What’s a consequence of this theory?

Answer 6

1. It is too simplistic to explain gender fully
2. Children ask questions as they are in the learning process