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Cognitive Theory of Gender Development in Children: Schemas, Kohlberg & More

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libby Moxey

14/03/2023

Psychology

cognitive theory of gender development - schemas

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Psychology

Cognitive Theory of Gender Development in Children: Schemas, Kohlberg & More

The cognitive theory of gender development in children focuses on how children actively construct their understanding of gender through mental schemas. This theory, proposed by Martin and Halverson, suggests that children develop gender identity and schemas from age 2-3, earlier than Kohlberg's theory. Children form in-group schemas about their own gender and out-group schemas about the other gender, which influences their attention, memory, and behavior. As children age, their initially rigid gender schemas become more flexible.

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14/03/2023

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Cognitive theory of gender development - schemas • suggested by Martin and Halverson • suggests that children pay a more active role in thei

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Outline of Gender Schema Theory

Gender schema theory, developed by Martin and Halverson, is a cognitive approach similar to Kohlberg's theory but with key differences:

  1. It proposes that basic gender identity at age 2-3 is sufficient for children to observe and imitate gender-appropriate behavior.
  2. It emphasizes how schemas affect later behavior, especially memory and selective attention.

The theory suggests children develop schemas from various sources including parents, peers, and media. These schemas influence:

  • Toy preferences
  • Clothing choices
  • Behavioral norms

Example: A child identifying as a boy may seek out information about "boy" behaviors and avoid "girl" behaviors.

Initially, children hold rigid schemas that resist change and influence selective attention. As they age, schemas become more flexible.

Vocabulary: Schematic anomaly - Information that conflicts with existing schemas, often ignored or misremembered by children.

The theory shares similarities with social learning theory in explaining gender development through interactions with adults and peers.

Cognitive theory of gender development - schemas • suggested by Martin and Halverson • suggests that children pay a more active role in thei

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Evaluation of Gender Schema Theory

Several studies provide evidence supporting or challenging aspects of gender schema theory:

  1. Martin and Halverson (1983):
    • Children under 6 recalled more gender-consistent images (e.g., male firefighter) than inconsistent ones (e.g., male nurse).
    • Children distorted schema-inconsistent images to fit their existing schemas.

Example: When shown a girl playing with a gun, children might report seeing a boy playing with a gun.

  1. Martin and Little (1990):

    • Children under 4 showed no signs of gender stability or constancy.
    • However, they displayed strong gender stereotypes about appropriate behaviors.

  2. Bradbard et al (1986):

    • Examined in-group and out-group schemas using gender-neutral items.
    • Children showed more interest in and better memory for items labeled as belonging to their gender in-group.

Highlight: These studies generally support gender schema theory, particularly the early development of gender stereotypes and the influence of schemas on memory and attention.

The evidence suggests that while some aspects of Kohlberg's theory (like gender constancy) may develop later, children form and act on gender schemas from a very young age, supporting Martin and Halverson's cognitive theory of gender development.

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Cognitive Theory of Gender Development in Children: Schemas, Kohlberg & More

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libby Moxey

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The cognitive theory of gender development in children focuses on how children actively construct their understanding of gender through mental schemas. This theory, proposed by Martin and Halverson, suggests that children develop gender identity and schemas from age 2-3, earlier than Kohlberg's theory. Children form in-group schemas about their own gender and out-group schemas about the other gender, which influences their attention, memory, and behavior. As children age, their initially rigid gender schemas become more flexible.

...

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215

 

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Cognitive theory of gender development - schemas • suggested by Martin and Halverson • suggests that children pay a more active role in thei

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Outline of Gender Schema Theory

Gender schema theory, developed by Martin and Halverson, is a cognitive approach similar to Kohlberg's theory but with key differences:

  1. It proposes that basic gender identity at age 2-3 is sufficient for children to observe and imitate gender-appropriate behavior.
  2. It emphasizes how schemas affect later behavior, especially memory and selective attention.

The theory suggests children develop schemas from various sources including parents, peers, and media. These schemas influence:

  • Toy preferences
  • Clothing choices
  • Behavioral norms

Example: A child identifying as a boy may seek out information about "boy" behaviors and avoid "girl" behaviors.

Initially, children hold rigid schemas that resist change and influence selective attention. As they age, schemas become more flexible.

Vocabulary: Schematic anomaly - Information that conflicts with existing schemas, often ignored or misremembered by children.

The theory shares similarities with social learning theory in explaining gender development through interactions with adults and peers.

Cognitive theory of gender development - schemas • suggested by Martin and Halverson • suggests that children pay a more active role in thei

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Evaluation of Gender Schema Theory

Several studies provide evidence supporting or challenging aspects of gender schema theory:

  1. Martin and Halverson (1983):
    • Children under 6 recalled more gender-consistent images (e.g., male firefighter) than inconsistent ones (e.g., male nurse).
    • Children distorted schema-inconsistent images to fit their existing schemas.

Example: When shown a girl playing with a gun, children might report seeing a boy playing with a gun.

  1. Martin and Little (1990):

    • Children under 4 showed no signs of gender stability or constancy.
    • However, they displayed strong gender stereotypes about appropriate behaviors.

  2. Bradbard et al (1986):

    • Examined in-group and out-group schemas using gender-neutral items.
    • Children showed more interest in and better memory for items labeled as belonging to their gender in-group.

Highlight: These studies generally support gender schema theory, particularly the early development of gender stereotypes and the influence of schemas on memory and attention.

The evidence suggests that while some aspects of Kohlberg's theory (like gender constancy) may develop later, children form and act on gender schemas from a very young age, supporting Martin and Halverson's cognitive theory of gender development.

Cognitive theory of gender development - schemas • suggested by Martin and Halverson • suggests that children pay a more active role in thei

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cognitive Theory of Gender Development - Schemas

The cognitive theory of gender development in children proposes that children play an active role in developing their gender identity from ages 2-3. Key aspects include:

  • Emphasis on children's thinking and active participation in gender development
  • Formation of gender schemas as mental representations of gender-appropriate behavior
  • Development of in-group schemas (enhanced interest in own gender) and out-group schemas (less interest in other gender)
  • Initially rigid schemas that become more flexible over time

Definition: Gender schemas are mental representations about each gender and gender-appropriate behavior.

The theory outlines a process where gender identity forms around age 2-3, followed by schema development, in-group/out-group formation, increased attention to same sex, and display of gendered behaviors.

Highlight: This theory suggests children seek out gender-appropriate behavior earlier than Kohlberg's theory, which placed this at the gender constancy phase (age 6-8).

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.