social learning theory as an explanation for gender development Flashcards
1
Q
what does SLT acknowledge
A
the role of the environment (nurture). From immediate family to wider society such as culture and media
2
Q
what is the role of direct reinforcement
A
- children are more likely to be reinforced for behaviour that is gender appropriate. Through this a child learns their gender identity and more likely to repeat behaviour that is reinforced.
3
Q
what is the role of indirect/vicarious reinforcement
A
- if the consequences of another person’s behaviour are favourable, the behaviour is more likely to be imitated by the child like if a mum gets complemented when wearing makeup, the girl is more likely to wear makeup.
4
Q
what is the role of identification and modelling.
A
- identification: refers to process where a child attaches themselves to someone they believe is like them.
- modelling: a mother may model what stereotypical feminine traits.
5
Q
what are the mediational processes
A
- attention
- retention
- motivation
- motor reproduction
6
Q
what are strengths
A
- supported by evidence: Smith and Lloyd 1978. Involved babies aged 4-6 months who were dressed half the time in boy’s clothes and half the time in girls clothes. People handled them differently in the different clothes. Were more soft with girls and encouraged the boy clothes to play with trucks.
- can explain cultural changes in stereotypically gender appropriate behaviour. Can explain cultural changes in gender behaviour. There is less of a clear distinction between what people regard as masculine and feminine behaviour.
7
Q
what are the limitations
A
- doesn’t provide adequate explanation of how learning processes change with age. The general implication that modelling of gender-appropriate behaviour can occur at any age seems illogical. Suggests influence of age and maturation on learning gender concepts is not a factor considered by social learning theory.
