Social learning theory applied to gender Flashcards
Who do children look to in the media
Children prefer same-sex role models, they are more likely to imitate if they identify with them more and the ultimately internalise their geendered behaviour.
What kind of stereotypes does media create
media creates rigid stereotypes
What has content anaylsis research found on the portrayal of men in the media
men are:
- independent
- in control
- pursuing interesting occupations and recreational activities
What has content anaylsis research found on the portrayal of women in the media
- dependent
- unambitious
- emotional
define culture
the rules, customs, morals and ways on interacting that bind together members of a society or collection of people
how can culture be transmitted
through a variety of influences such as parents, peers, teachers, the media
What are the ways children can learn about gender roles
- direct reinforcement
- indirect reinforcement
What is direct reinforcement for learning about gender roles
- this is done through peers, teachers, parents
- A child may be positively reinforced for behaving in what is seen as a gender-appropriate way which increases their likelihood of doing it again.
What is the evidence for direct reinforcement of gender role by parents
Direct reinforcement of gender roles by parents has been identified in a psychologist report when they state that parents still buy gender-appropriate toys for their children ‘pink for girls’ and ‘for boys competitive or combat-type’
Give research for direct reinforcement of gender roles
- Serbin et al 1973
- Mead 1935
Outline Serbin et al 1973
Serbin et al 1973
examined teacher’s response to children in pre-school classes.
They found that teachers responded differently to girls and boys when they displayed aggression and dependency.
Showing that teachers do reinforce children differently according to their gender.
Evaluate serbin et al 1973
- S - high ecological validity as it is conducted in their class
- W - it looks at correlation not necessarily causation
Outline Mead 1935
mead 1935:
- studies 3 different social groups in papua new guinea.
- She found 3 different gender norms;
1. both sexes were gendel and cooperative (typical western female gender roles)
2. both sexes showed aggressive and emotional traits (typical of masculine gender roles)
3. the reverse of western gender roles - women were dominant and independent and men were passive and participated in childbirth.
This suggests that gender is a social construct
what is indirect reinforcement for learning gender roles
The media can influence the development of gender roles through indirect reinforcement
Who investigates the influence of TV on gender roles
Wober 1987
investigated the influence of TV on gender roles by looking at children’s perceptions of male and female ocuppations.
They found the children’s own career aspirations showed clear links to the gender stereotyped careers they had witnessed on television
this shows that children are influenced in their gender role bahviour by observing role models on tv adverts
