Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
SOCIAL LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GENDER DEVELOPMENT - Coggle Diagram
SOCIAL LEARNING EXPLANATION OF GENDER DEVELOPMENT
Differential reinforcement
= where each gender is encouraged to show distinct gender appropriate behaviour - different expectations for boy/girls
Reinforced behaviours are more likely to be repeated
Punished behaviours are not repeated
Through this reinforcement, children learn their gender identity
All behaviour, including gender is learned from observing others
This approach states that nature shapes gender development
This is through things such as parents, peers, teachers and the media
Direct reinforcement
= one way that children develop their gender - Learn from consequences of our own behaviour
Children are more likely to be reinforced for behaviour that is gender appropriate
E.g. boys are encouraged in rough play
On the other hand, they are more likely to imitate the behaviour
E.g. boys playing with dolls
Children also develop an understanding of their gender through
indirect reinforcement
- Learn from the consequences of others behaviour
E.g. the consequences of another person's behaviours
If they see a behaviour is rewarded they are more likely to imitate the behaviour
E.g. a little girl hears her mum being complimented for wearing makeup + a pretty dress, the girl will copy this when she is able to
On the other hand, behaviours that are punished are avoided
E.g. a little boy sees a class mate being called 'sissy' for being feminine, and learns not to copy this behaviour. However, we are more likely to imitate those who are like us + we can identify with (same sex, parents and peers)
SUPPORTING STUDY - SMITH + LLOYD
Observed mothers playing with their infant who was either presented with a boy (in terms of name + clothing) or as a girl
The mothers selected gender appropriate toys + also responded more actively when a boy showed increased motor activity
This shows that gender appropriate behaviour is stamped in from an early age through differential reinforcement which supports SLT
EXPLAINS CHANGING GENDER ROLES IN WESTERN SOCIETY
There is far less of a clear-cut distinction between what is regarded as stereotypically masculine + feminine behaviour compared to 1950s
This shift in cultural norms where new forms of acceptable gender behaviour are now reinforced + relatively recent developments
As there has been no change in people's biology during this time it suggests that such changes are better explained by the SLT
CONDUCTED IN WESTERN CULTURES - DIFFICULT TO GENERALISE FINDINGS TO OTHER CULTURES
This is because we are unsure other cultures would respond in the same way due to individual differences such as parental upbringing
This questions the validity of the evidence that supports the social learning explanation of gender development
REDUCTIONIST APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF GENDER DEVELOPMENT
This is because in an attempt to isolate + study specific causal factors, such as reinforcement and its effect on gender, other aspects of the wider picture may have been lost
E.g. the effects of genes + hormones on prenatal development
For this reason, it may be more useful to develop a more ecletic approach, considering all contributing factors to gender development