Kohlberg's Theory

Question 1

What is meant by a cognitive explanations of gender?

Answer 1

They share the view that a child’s mental concept of gender becomes more sophisticated with age

Question 2

Outline Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 2

• Kohlberg suggested that a child’s understanding of gender develops in 3 stages
• These stages are universal and differences in male and female behaviour is due to cultural differences

Question 3

Describe the 1st stage in Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 3

Gender identity stage
- Stage begins at 2-3 years old and they’re 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’

Question 4

Describe the 2nd stage in Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Describe the 3rd stage in Kohlberg’s theory

Answer 5

Gender constancy stage
- At 6-7, children begin to know that others 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

Question 6

What happens after the stages?

Answer 6

• The child has internalised the concept of gender at constancy stage and they begin an active search for evidence which confirms their gender concept
• Children also seek role models to imitate to help them develop their sense of gender

Question 7

Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (research support)

Answer 7

• Marcus and Overton’s study 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 changed a person’s sex. While, older children understood that change in outward appearance doesn’t influence gender
• Therefore, this shows children have a better understanding of gender as the brain matures

Question 8

Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (support for the sequence of stages)

Answer 8

• Slaby and Frey had children aged 2-5, divided into high and low gender constancy groups, they were shown a film with a male and female carrying out stereotyped gender role activities and the screen was split. Children’s eye movements 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 claim that children pay attention to same sex models after the stage of constancy

Question 9

Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (constancy isn’t supported)

Answer 9

• A common observation is that many children 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.

Question 10

Give evaluation for Kohlberg’s theory (methodological issues)

Answer 10

• There are methodological issues with Kohlberg’s research as he used interviews with children as young as 2-3 yrs old
• Although questions were tailored toward the age group, children lack the vocabulary to express their ideas about gender
• This means that they can’t express their true understanding, which leads to Kohlberg’s theory lacking validity