Social learning theory of gender development Flashcards
Social learning theory
Gender behaviours learned in a social context through observing and imitating significant others
Direct reinforcement role in gender development
Children repeat gender behaviours that are rewarded and avoid those that are punished = differential reinforcement
Indirect (vicarious) reinforcement role in gender development
Children observe consequences of gender behaviour, imitate those with favourable outcome, avoid those that are punished
Identification role in gender development
The child attaches to role models who display gender appropriate behaviour
Modelling role in gender development
- Precise demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated by an observer
- Imitates/models behaviour, especially same-sex models
Mediational processes
Attention
Retention
Motor reproduction
Motivation
Social learning theory of gender development Evaluation points- Research support
STRENGTH
Differential reinforcement- babies dressed as boys or girls given gender-related toys
(Smith and Lloyd)
Social learning theory of gender development Evaluation points- Research support counterpoint
LIMITATION
Differential reinforcement not always the cause, adults reinforce to pre-existing differences in boys and girls (e.g. boys being innately more active)
Social learning theory of gender development Evaluation points- Cultural changes
STRENGTH
Androgyny more common now in many cultures, can be explained by less ‘punishment’ and more reinforcement (SLT not biology)
Social learning theory of gender development Evaluation points- No developmental sequence
LIMITATION
Not reflected in SLT where learning is the same at any age, conflicts with e.g. Kohlberge