SLT

Question 1

Outline social learning theory of gender development

Answer 1

~ development of gender occurs via both direct + indirect learning
~ facilitated by role models
~ ‘agents of socialisation’ reinforce certain behaviours, increasing likelihood of imitation whilst punishment decreases likelihood

Question 2

Describe how direct learning occurs in gender development

Answer 2

Differential reinforcement —> children specifically rewarded for displaying gender appropriate behaviours by agents of socialisation

Question 3

Describe how indirect learning occurs in gender development

Answer 3

Vicarious reinforcement —> occurs when a child observes another same-sex child being rewarded for gender-appropriate behaviours, who is considered a role model

Question 4

Give strengths of SLT theory of gender development

Answer 4

Research support —> Smith & Lloyd
~ 4-6mo babies dressed in either boys or girls clothes (regardless of actual sex) → ‘boys’ were given boy-appropriate toys + encouraged o be active + adventurous whilst ‘girls’ were given ‘girl’ toys + told they were pretty; reinforced as passive
- supports idea of differential reinforcement stamping in gender-related behaviour at an early age
Further supporting research
- McGhee + Frueh → found people who view a lot of TV have stronger gender stereotypes than those who warch little

Question 5

Give limitations of SLT theory of gender development

Answer 5

Not developmental theory
—> fails to explain how learning changes w/ age
→ limitations in age such as motor reproduction; suggests children cannot perform certain behaviors if physically/mentally incapable
~however SLT implies modelling of gender-appropriate behaviour can occur at any point from birth
→ limited as doesnt consider influence of age + maturation
Fails to consider biological + psychodynamic factors
~ SLT places little emphasis on influence of genes + chromosomes, only considers role of the environment
- research suggests we cannot override chromosomal influence
→ biosocial approach may be more appropriate
- also may focus too much on conscious mediational processes, ignoring the importance of psychodynamic factors like the unconscious