Gender schema theory

Gender schema theory:

Martin and Halverson agree with Kohlberg - children develop their schema by actively structuring their own learning rather than observing (SLT).

They disagree with Kohlberg - children develop their gender schema much earlier, age 2-3.

Ingroup/outgroup:

• Children have a better understanding of the schema of their gender identity (ingroup).

• Pay more attention to relevant info to their group.

• Ingroup identity serves to increase the child’s level of self-esteem.

Opposing findings

Damon (1977) told 4 and 6 year olds about George who liked to play with dolls. 4 year olds said it was fine, 6 year olds said it was wrong (gender constancy and rigid stereotypes.

Reductionist

Social learning theory claims observation and imitation is critical in gender development

Research support

Martin and Halverson (1983) children under 6 were more likely to remember photographs of stereotypically gender-appropriate behaviour than not when tested a week later. Children tended to change the gender in gender-inappropriate tasks.