Social learning theory applied to gender development

Question 1

Social learning

Answer 1

Learning through observation and imitation of role models

Question 2

Bandura and Walters (1963) and Bandura (1977)

Answer 2

Children attend to the behaviours of role models, observe them and then extract what kind of behaviours are appropriate for boys and girls

Question 3

Observation and modelling

Answer 3

• Role models; parents, friends + tv characters

- Demonstrate different ways in which masculinity and feminity are enacted with today’s society

Question 4

Reinforcements

Answer 4

• Behaviours that are positively reinforced are likely to be repeated.
• Behaviours that are negatively reinforced are not likely to be repeated.

Question 5

How objective are self-report studies?

Answer 5

Parental self-report may underestimate the extent of differential reinforcement provided by parents.

Question 6

Peers and Family

Answer 6

• Children get more positively reinforced when they demonstrate the ‘correct’ gender behaviours.
• Masculinity is reinforced more strongly in boys than feminity in girls
• Children police other children and are systematic reinforcers.

Question 7

Nature and Nurture

Answer 7

• SLT emphasizes the importance of nurture in the development of gender roles
• Biological and social forces work together in the development of gender.

Question 8

Influence of media on gender roles

Answer 8

• Strong stereotypes