Cognitive Explanations: Kohlberg's Theory

Question 1

who was Kolberg’s theory influenced by?

Answer 1

Piaget’s cognitive-developmental theory

Question 2

what did Piaget describe children at the age of 7 as?

Answer 2

egocentric
- they assume everyone sees the world in the same way that they do

Question 3

what does Kolberg say about gender development?

Answer 3

gender development occurs in a sequence which parallels cognitive changes that take place alongside the maturing brain

Question 4

how many stages does a child’s understanding of gender develop in?

Answer 4

3 stages
1) gender identity
2) gender stability
3) gender constancy

Question 5

what is gender identity?

Answer 5

• first stage
• age 2-3 years old
• children are able to correctly identify themselves as a boy or girl
• most children are able to identify other people as boys,girls,women or men
• don’t view gender as fixed over time and situations

Question 6

what is gender stabilty?

Answer 6

• second stage
• 4 years old
• children know that their own gender stays stable over time but cannot apply this logic to other people in other situations
• often confused by outward appearance

Question 7

what is gender constancy?

Answer 7

• final stage
• 6-7 years old
• children recognise that gender remains constant over time and situations and this is applied to other people’s gender as well as their own
• not fooled by outward appearance
• children begin to actively seek out gender-appropriate role models to identify with and imitate

Question 8

what does Kohlberg say about his theory and gender development?

Answer 8

• once a child is fully developed and internalised concept of gender at the constancy stage they embark upon an active search for evidence that confirms that concept
• a tendency towards gender stereotyping begins to emerge at this age

Question 9

what is a strength of Kolberg’s Theory?

Answer 9

Point: A strength of Kohlberg’s stage theory is that evidence suggests gender stereotyping emerges around the age of 6, as he predicted.
Evidence: For example, Damon (1977) told children a story about George, a boy who liked to play with dolls.
Explain: Four-year-olds thought it was fine for George to play with dolls, while six-year-olds believed it was wrong, indicating they had developed rules about what boys and girls ought to do.
Link: Therefore, this suggests that children who achieve gender constancy form rigid stereotypes about gender-appropriate behaviour, supporting Kohlberg’s theory.

Question 10

what are weaknesses of Kolberg’s Theory?

Answer 10

Point: One limitation of Kohlberg’s theory is that supporting research relies on unsatisfactory methods to assess gender constancy.
Evidence: For example, Bem (1989) criticised the methodology and argued that younger children are confused by typical tests of gender constancy, which rely on cultural markers like clothing and hairstyle.
Explain: Her study showed that 40% of children aged 3-5 could demonstrate constancy if shown a naked photo of the child first, suggesting they base judgments on more than just clothing.
Link: Therefore, this suggests that typical testing methods may misrepresent what younger children actually know about gender constancy.

Point: A further limitation of Kohlberg’s theory is that there may be different degrees of gender constancy.
Evidence: Martin (2002) proposed that an initial degree of gender constancy might orient children to the importance of gender in choosing friends or seeking information, which could develop before 6.
Explain: A second degree of constancy, developing later, might increase responsiveness to gender norms under conditions of conflict.
Link: Therefore, this suggests that the acquisition of gender constancy may be a more gradual process, beginning earlier and developing in stages.