Social learning theory explanation of gender development Flashcards
Describe a gender study from this approach
Smith and Lloyd
Aim – To investigate whether mothers acted differently towards a baby depending on the perceived sex of that baby
Method – 32 mothers were told the study was investigating play. They were video taped playing with six-month-old babies. Sex type and sex neutral toys were available to play. Two males and two females babies were presented equally as their own sex and as opposite sex using stereotypes clothes and names
Results – Babies perceived to be boys were encouraged to play actively. Babies perceived to be girls were offered dolls and boys were given hammers
Conclusion – type of play was not dictated by the child, as boys and girls appeared comfortable to play in masculine and feminine ways depending on what sex they were perceived as being
Describe social learning theory explanation of gender development
Modelling, identification, imitation and reinforcement
Modelling
Demonstrating or displaying a behaviour
Not all behaviours are imitated
Identification
Process whereby an individual associates with the qualities, characteristics and views of another person
Factors affecting levels of identification: power, popularity, attractiveness
Individual identifies more with the same sex models
Imitation
Occurs when behaviour is reproduced
Also motivated by reinforcement
Reinforcement
Occurs when behaviour is strengthened by positive outcomes
Reverse is punishment
Evaluate the social learning theory explanation of gender development
Studies show the boys and girls are treated and reinforced differently
Cross cultural studies indicated that gender is socially constructed
Recognises the cognitive factors affect learning
Studies - low ecological validity – artificial behaviours
Does not explain why gender develops gradually over years
Ignores the role of biology on gender development – no psychological differences between males and females
