Kohlbergs cognitive explanation

kohlbergs theory

A maturational theory that suggests gender identity develops as intellect does in parallel with each other, he argues they occur in stages and people only fully process gender information at the constancy stage

Gender identity

2-3, identify our own and others gender but do not understand the permeance

Gender stability

4, aware own gender is fixed but cannot apply the same knowledge to others so we are confused by external changes eg- man in dress

Gender Constancy

5+,understand gender is constant despite physical changes, at this ate children activity seek out same sex model to identify and imitate

AO3- Supportive research

Slaby and frey, studied 23 boys 32 girls watched films of men and female models performing the same act on either side of the screen, found if children- constancy stage spent longer watching same sex model, suggests once children understand gender as fixed, they begin actively seeking same-sex role models to imitate, supporting Kohlberg’s idea

AO3- limited explanation

Doesn’t explain gender typed behaviour that occurs before gender constancy stage, 2-3 some children already develop a preference for gendered toys such as boys with trucks and dinosaurs, According to Kohlberg, children at this age have not yet fully developed a fixed understanding of gender, this shows gender appropriate behaviour can develop before gender constancy maybe due to social learning theory through observation and imitation challenging the sequence of kohlbergs theory.

AO3- Does not explain why

Kohlberg’s theory explains the process of gender development by describing the stages children go through to understand gender, but it does not explain why gender development occurs or why some children are more strong in their gendered behavioural views eg boys may be ridiculed for displaying feminine behaviours explaining why they are more subject to gender typical behaviours. Kohlberg’s theory overlooks important social factors and pressures involved in gender development limiting its reliability