Cognitive explanations: Kohlberg's theory

Kohlberg's theory

Stages in development

• Kohlberg's cognitive-developmental theory of gender is based on the idea that a child's understanding of gender becomes more sophisticated with age
• Understanding of gender runs parallel to intellectual development as the child matures biologically

Stage 1: Gender identity

• Around the age of 2, children can correctly identify their gender identity
• At 3, most children are able to identify other people as male or female
• Children not aware that sex is permanent

Stage 2: Gender stability

• At 4, children acquire gender stability
• They realise that they will always stay the same gender
• But they cannot apply this same logic to other people in other situations
• Believe gender is heavily influenced by external appearances

Stage 3: Gender constancy

• The final stage of development, 6
• Children recognise that gender remains constant and consistent across time and situations
• Intenalise their own gender 

Imitation of role models

• Gender constancy is also significant as children this age begin to…