Gender schema theory

Question 1

what is the theory

Answer 1

suggests a schema (a mental framework of the world based on previous experiences which act as a mental shortcut) affects later behaviour- so what they pay attention to and what they remember

Question 2

how is gender schema theory similar to Kohlberg

Answer 2

-argues childs understanding of gender increases with age (maturation)

Question 3

how does it differ from Kohlberg

Answer 3

develop an understanding by structuring the own beliefs about gender through experience and unlike social learning theory which states gender is through observation and imitation of role models

Question 4

Martin and Halverson

Answer 4

Found out once a child at 2 to 3 years old establishes the gender identity they will then actively seek out gender appropriate behaviour which encourages a gender schema to develop, which differs from Kohlberg’s theory as this happened at six years old

Question 5

how does a child’s gender schema determine their behaviour

Answer 5

provides a framework that directs experience and their understanding of their self

Question 6

why is Ingroup schema better remembered

Answer 6

defined as who you identify with so you are positively evaluate your own in group which boost your self-esteem and negatively evaluate outgroups

• once children have an idea of their Ingroup for their gender they will pay more attention to information about that in group which can lead to fix gender stereotypes and them disregarding information that is not appropriate for their gender schema
• at eight years old they will develop a schema for an outgroup