Kohlberg's Theory Flashcards
What is meant by a cognitive explanations of gender?
Cognitive-development explanations share the view that a child’s mental concept of gender becomes more sophisticated with age
Outline Kohlberg’s theory
- Kohlberg suggested that a child’s understanding of gender develops in 3 stages
- Kohlberg believed these stages were universal and differences in male and female behaviour is due to cultural differences
Describe the 1st stage in Kohlberg’s theory
Gender identity stage
- Children began to think about gender at 2-3 years old and are able to correctly identify their own gender (this is identity)
- However they believe gender can change based on outward appearance (clothes)
- Children may show preference for playing with children of their own sex, as they ‘belong’
Describe the 2nd stage in Kohlberg’s theory
Gender stability stage
- At 4-5, children realise their sex won’t change over time, showing gender stability
- Due to being egocentric, they don’t realise that this also applies to others
Describe the 3rd stage in Kohlberg’s theory
Gender constancy stage
- At 6-7, children begin to appreciate that other people have a different view from their own, and they de-centre
- They realise everyone’s gender is constant and changes in outward appearances don’t influence gender, showing conservation
What happens after the stages?
- Kohlberg argues once a child is fully developed and has internalised the concept of gender at constancy stage, they begin an active search for evidence which confirms that concept
- During this stage, children seek role models to imitate to help them develop their sense of gender
Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (research support)
- Marcus and Overton’s study using a flip book consisted of children being shown ‘muddled’ pictures where hair and clothes of a male and female character could be changed. Children were asked what sex they thought the character was.
- They found that younger children believed that changing clothes can change a person’s sex.
- Meanwhile, older children understood that gender is constant and change in outward appearance doesn’t influence gender
- Therefore, this shows children have a better understanding of gender as the brain matures
Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (support for the sequence of stages)
- Slaby and Frey investigated the development of children’s understanding of gender in relation to the attention they give to the same-sex models.
- Children aged 2-5, divided into high and low gender constancy groups, were shown a silent film. 2 adult model, a male and females carrying out stereotyped gender role activity and the screen was split
- Children watched both films and eye movement and direction of gaze were recorded to assess which film they looked at most
- They found children with a high level of constancy spent more watching same sex models
- Supporting Kohlberg’s claims that children pay attention to same sex models after the stage of constancy
Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (constancy isn’t supported)
- A common observation is that many children begin to demonstrate ‘gender-appropriate’ behaviour before constancy
- Bussey and Bandura found children as young as 4 reported ‘feeling good’ about playing with gender-appropriate toys and ‘feeling bad’ about doing the opposite
- This contradicts what Kohlberg would predict, that constancy happens at around the age of 6-7.
Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (methodological issues)
- Kohlberg’s theory used interviews with some children as young as 2-3 yrs old
- Although some questions were tailored toward the age group, Kohlberg may have not acknowledged that children lack the vocabulary required to express understanding
- Children may have relatively complex ideas about gender but not the verbal ability to express it, so they can’t express their true understanding, which lacks validity
