Kohlberg's theory Flashcards
What is a cognitive-developmental theory?
A theory which explains how children change as they get older in terms of changes in the way they think
What is conservation?
The understanding that the physical properties of an object or substance do not change when appearances change
What is Kohlberg’s theory of gender development?
The first cognitive-developmental theory for gender development developed in 1966 – explains how children’s thoughts about gender change as they mature
What are the three stages of Kohlberg’s theory?
- Gender identity (2-3 years)
- Gender stability (4-5 years)
- Gender constancy (6 years onwards)
What is gender identity?
Child can correctly identify themselves and others as boy or girl – this is based on outward appearance and this label will change with appearance
What is gender stability?
Child understands that their own gender is consistent across time but not situations as they cannot apply this logic to other people in other situations – still influenced by appearance
What is gender constancy?
Child understands that gender is constant across time and situations and start to behave in gender-appropriate ways
What are the two strengths of Kohlberg’s theory?
Research support- Slaby and Frey (1975) asked young children questions such as ‘When you grow up, will you be a mummy or daddy?’ Only once they reached the age of 4 did they recognise these traits were stable over time as Kohlberg predicted. An additional study they carried out shows support for gender constancy. Children high in constancy showed more interest in same-sex models, which supports Kohlberg’s idea that children adopt gender appropriate role models once they reach constancy.
Cross-cultural evidence (universality)- Munroe et al. (1984) found cross-cultural evidence of Kohlberg’s theory in countries as far afield as Kenya, Samoa and Nepal. This suggests that the sequence of stages Kohlberg outlined may well be universal.
Counter-argument- beta bias – Kohlberg assumed universality across cultures and genders. He minimised the differences between males and females when it came to gender development, but there has been research that has suggested that there are gender differences. It has been found that it is relatively easy to get girls to engage in masculine activities, but not vice versa as boys generally resist. Kohlberg did not take into account these gender differences.
What are the two limitations of Kohlberg’s theory?
Methodological issues-
Kohlberg’s theory was developed using interviews with children as young as two or three years old. Although the questions were tailored towards the particular age group he was dealing with, Kohlberg may not have acknowledged that very young children lack the vocabulary required to express their understanding. Such children may have relatively complex ideas about gender but do not possess the verbal ability to articulate these.
Reductionist- Kohlberg’s theory is not a complete explanation of gender development; it is more complex and cannot be described by one theory.
Gender differences can be explained using Social Learning Theory. Male role models tend to be more powerful (and therefore more likely to be imitated), than female counterparts so boys are more likely than girls to identify with their same-sex model and act appropriately. Males are also more likely to be punished for gender-inappropriate behaviour than girls and therefore learn appropriate gender more quickly.
Counter-argument- the idea that male role models are more powerful than female role models and are more likely to be imitated is sexist – there are plenty of powerful female role models in the word that females will imitate. SLT mightn’t be the most adequate way to explain differences between males and females in terms of how likely they are to engage in the opposite sex activities.
