The development of gender differences Flashcards
Sex vs Gender
- Sex is biological
- Gender is social
Kohlberg’s cognitive theory of gender-role development - Gender identity
By 30 months children can label their gender
Kohlberg’s cognitive theory of gender-role development - Gender stability
By 3 to 4 years, know gender is permanent but link gender to superficial appearance
(if you have long hair, girl)
Kohlberg’s cognitive theory of gender-role development - Gender constancy
By 6 years know that gender is permanent across situations
Early preference for gender stereotyped toys - Serbin et al., (2001)
No preference for certain toys at 12 months, but prefer toys associated with sex at 18 months
Agression
Boys more aggressive than girls in childhood but no differences in aggression at infancy
Evolutionary theories
Gender differences happen because of evolved personality predispositions
* Theory argued as a rationalisation to traditional gender roles
Genes, hormones and brain functioning
Genetic differences determine biological sex but no human studies associated with gender-typed behaviour
Bedrooms and toys
Children are exposed to gender stereotypes from an early age by what they’re given, before they can even make a choice
Parental influences
- Mothers talk more to their baby girls than baby boys
- Fathers reinforce male stereotypes in boys
Teacher expectations
Stereotype that boys are better than girls at maths so they will get more support
Peer influenced behaviour
Gender stereotyped play associated with same sex peer groups
Drawing study
Proportion of female scientists drawn increased over time from 1960 to 2013, but draw them as male as they got older
Gender differences in disorder prevalance
- Neurodevelopmental disorders more common in boys (male brain - Sasha-Cohen)
- Anxiety and depression more common in girls
