Cognitive Explanations of Gender- Kohlberg's Theory

Outline Kohlberg's Theory

Children's minds develop in set stages linked generally with their age, so as the child's cognitive abilities develop, so does their understanding of gender. This theory was created in 1966 and there are 3 universal stages of development.

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What is Kohlberg's first stage?

1. Gender Identity- From 2yrs children identify what sex they are but only understand this as a label.

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What is Kohlberg's second stage?

2. Gender Stability- By about 4yrs they understand that their own sex stays the same for the rest of their life, but don't understand that this applies for others. They are considered egocentric.

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What is Kohlberg's third stage?

3.Gender Constancy- By 7yrs they understand that we all stay the same sex through life no matter how we dress or look. They now have the cognitive ability to conserve.

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Explain the imitation of role models

In gender constancy children seek out gender appropriate role models to identify with and imitate. For Kohlberg once they have fully developed a concept of gender they embark upon an active search for evidence which confirms that concept.

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Give an Evaluation

Evidence supports the stages- Slaby + Frey (1975) children were presented with split screen images of both genders performing same task. Younger children spent roughly same amount of time. Gender Constancy stage spent longer on same sex.

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Constancy not supported- Bussey and Bandura (1992) found that children at 4yrs reported feeling good about playing with gender appropriate toys. Contradicts Kohlberg but fits with Gender Schema Theory.

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Methodological Issues- Theory was developed using interviews with children as young as 2yrs. Although questions were suitable, some lack vocabulary required to express understanding. Therefore what they express doesn't represent understanding.

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Comparison with SLT- SLT would agree that it occurs as a consequence of natural process of maturation but places more influence on external factors on child's development.

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Comparison with biological approach- Gender development is genetically determined.Stages are heavily influenced by changes in the developing child's brain. Supported by Munroe et al.

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Cognitive Explanations of Gender- Kohlberg's Theory

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