PSYA3 Gender - Kohlberg's Theory

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  • Created by: emilyleah
  • Created on: 04-07-13 17:24

Kohlberg’s Cognitive Developmental Theory

AO1

- emphasises role of cognition (thinking) in the process of development

Stage 1: GENDER LABELLING
- age 2-3
- child labels themselves + others as a boy or a girl
- based on outward appearance such as hairstyle and what they wear
- will change label as appearance changes

Stage 2: GENDER STABILITY
- age 4
- recognises that gender is something consistent over time
- see that boys grow to men and girls grow to women
- appearance however is still a factor: McConaghy (1979) showed children a line drawing of a doll with male genitals visible through the dress. Children judged doll to be female due to external appearance

Stage 3: GENDER CONSISTENCY
- age 6-7
- children understand that changed in appearance/activity do not alter gender
- developed gender consistency
- when a child has acquired gender constancy, they start to learn about gender-appropriate behaviour
- this isn’t important until this stage as they believe gender changes

 

AO2/3

Gender Labelling – Thompson (1975)
found 2year olds were 76% correct in identifying their sex whereas 3year olds were 90% correct. Shows increasing ability predicted by Kohlberg

Gender Stability – Slaby and Frey (1975)
asked children questions such as ‘were you a boy or girl as a baby?’ and ‘when you grow up will you be a

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