Social learning explanation of gender development

Social learning theory

Children acquire their gender identity and associated gender-appropriate behaviour through the following processes.

Observation, Imitation, Reinforcement (direct and vicarious), Identification, Modelling, Mediational process: Attention, Retention, Motivation , Motor reproduction

The SLT draws attention to the influence of the environment (nurture) in shaping gender development.

This includes significant others that the child comes into contact with - role models, parents, peers, teachers, influences of culture and the media.

Children are more likely to be praised for gender appropriate behaviour.

The ways in which boys and girls are encouraged to show distinct gender-appropriate behaviour is called differential reinforcement.

Fathers reinforce sex-typed stereotypes more than mothers.

Children divide themselves mainly into same-gender groups , where they resist attempts to interact with the opposite gender.

Role models tend to be attractive, high status, and usually the same sex.

Evaluations - strengths

Supporting evidence - Block (1979) found that boys are positively reinforced more for imitating behaviours reflecting independence, self-reliance and emotional control, while girls are reinforced for dependence,…