Social learning theory as applied to gender development Flashcards
What is social learning theory?
Learning through observing others and imitating behaviours that are rewarded.
Briefly explain how SLT leads to gender development.
Observe examples of gender behaviour at home, school, in the media and see the consequences of such behaviour. Learn behaviours and when they are appropriate through reinforcement.
Explain the importance of the role model in gender development.
Observe behaviours of both sexes. Only likely to repeat behaviours of people they identify with - same gender.
Explain the role of meditational processes in gender development.
(SLT has cognitive elements).
Attention
Retention
Reproduction
Motivation
If observed benefits of gendered behaviour outweighs costs, behaviour likely to be repeated (if they can do so).
Explain the role of direct reinforcement in gender development.
If a child is rewarded for displayed behaviours, more likely to repeat. E.g. boy may observe man in media be praised for wearing a dress, but be bullied for repeating this in school, reducing the likelihood of doing it again.
Explain the role of direct tuition in gender development.
Explicit instructions about appropriate gender behaviour. Begins as soon as child develops linguistic skills, influencing behaviour from a young age.
Explain the influence of self-direction in gender development.
Once children have internalised gender-appropriate behaviours from the environment, their own behaviour is governed by the active role of children in directing their own behaviour. A key component of long-term development.
(AO3) Explain research evidence for social learning theory.
Bobo doll study. Showed the influence of modelling of aggressive behaviour on aggressive behaviour of children. Provided evidence for SLT. Also importance of same-sex model. But this focused on aggression (not gender) so lacks validity when applied to gender.
(AO3) Describe research evidence for social learning theory and gender development.
Perry and Bussey. Showed 8-9 year olds clips of boys or girls choosing apples and pears (gender neutral items). When given a choice, the children chose the fruit that was modelled as being chosen by the same gender. Shows how children adopt behaviours of the same gender through SLT.
(AO3) Describe issues of demand characteristics in research evidence for SLT and gender.
Both studies involve explicit modelling followed by a similar situation. Participants may feel obliged to pick the same fruit rather than the one they actually want to pick. The fact that they are children and it takes place in a lab setting may amplify this. Reduces internal validity due to extraneous variables.
(AO3) Evaluate SLT in terms of issues, debates and approaches.
SLT suggests we learn gender behaviour from the environment - nurture side of debate. Good because it addresses the clear role of media and culture in gender development. But ignores other influences such as biological - environmentally reductionist. Biosocial approach may be more appropriate, considering environment and biology.
