SLT + eval Flashcards
How does the social learning theory say that gender roles are learnt?
Through observation and imitation of socialising agents, such as parents and peers, and the influence of the media and culture
What do socialising agents do?
Model examples of appropriate and inappropriate behaviours and the consequences of conforming or not conforming to gender norms
Which behaviours do children imitate?
Those which are being rewarded and not punished
What is observational learning?
The way in which children acquire knowledge regarding gender roles without actually doing anything themselves
What evaluation points can be made?
SLT cant explain changes with age
SLT cant explain gender differences with same sex siblings
SLT doesn’t explain how new gender behaviours arise, only explains gender in terms of observation and imitation
SLT cant explain why children willingness to imitate behaviour depends more on whether the behaviour is seen as gender appropriate than the sex of the model
SLT studies lack gender bias
What is direct reinforcement?
Children are more likely to be reinforced for demonstrating gender appropriate behaviours
What is differential reinforcement?
The way in which boys and girls are encouraged to show distinct gender appropriate behaviour
It is through this reinforcement that children learn their gender identity
What is indirect reinforcement?
If the consequences of another person’s behaviour is favourable, the behaviour is more likely to be imitated by a child
What is identification?
The process whereby a child attaches himself or herself to a person who is seen to be “like me” or because a person is like someone “I want to be”
Which 4 cognitive processes have social learning theorists suggest are central to the learning of gender behaviour?
Attention
Retention
Motivation
Motor reproduction
