Gender Schema Theory - cognitive explanation Flashcards
Who created the gender schema theory?
Martin and Halverson, Bem
What does the theory suggest?
That gender identity alone provides children with the motivation to assume sex typed behaviour patterns
What is the difference between this theory and Kohlberg’s?
For the initial understanding for gender to develop, children need not understand that gender is permanent
How is this theory similar to the social learning theory?
The children learn “appropriate” patterns of behaviour
How is this theory similar to Kohlberg’s theory?
Children’s active cognitive processing of information also contributes to sex typing
What is a gender schema?
An organused grouping of related gender concepts
What age does a gender schema start to develop?
Ages 2-3
What do gender schema’s provide?
A basis for interpreting the environment and selecting appropriate forms of behaviour and thus children’s self perceptions become sex-typed.
What are the two types of gender schemas?
In-group
Out-group
What is an in-group schema?
Schemas concerning attitudes and expectations about one’s own gender
Positive
What is an out-group schema?
Negative schemas about attitudes and expectations concerning the other gender
What does Maccoby believe?
Gender is clearly an either/or category and children understand very early on that this is a key distinction and it serves as a magnet for new information
What happens once an early schema is established?
Many experiences are assimilated and children show preference for same sex playmates and gender stereotypical activities, actively ignoring the other gender
Do gender schemas under go change?
Yes, they undergo development change as children’s general cognitive abilities develop
What do preschoolers do relating to gender?
Learn distinctions about what kinds of activities and behaviours go with each gender by observing other children and through reinforcements received from parents.