Gender Schema Theory

Question 1

What is a strength of Gender Schema Theory

Answer 1

Research support
Martin and Halverson found children under the age of 6 were more likely to remember photographs of gender appropriate behaviour rather than gender innaporpriate behaviour and often altered information if it wasnt gender appropriate e.g changing the gender of the person carrying out gender inappropriate behaviour to make it appropriate

Question 2

What is a limitation of gender schema theory

Answer 2

gender identity may occur earlier than suggested
-A longitudianl study found that many children labelled themselves with the correct gender label (boy/girl) from as young as 19 months/ as soon as they could speak.
-gender identity may occur from earlier but just cannot yet be communicated

Question 3

What is a another strength of GST

Answer 3

Counterpoint of longitudinal study
-Martin and Halversons ages of gender identity are approximate and not absolute, they focus more on the sequence of behaviour not so much on when the behaviour begins/ how fast child moves through stages so may still have validity

Question 4

What is a further strength of GST

Answer 4

Can explain cultural differences in gender appropriate behaviour
-Cherry; traditional cultures hold values such as women should bve homemaker and socialise children into these schemas of gender appropriate behaviour
-This can explain how cultural differences in gender-stereotypes come about