Chat with AIExam 15: Section 1: Gender Development
Identify and explain three criticisms of Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development. Using the information in the text about gender development, make an argument for the truth or falsity of these criticisms. Be specific, and provide supportive examples.
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Answered by Examlex AI CopilotOne criticism of Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development is that it focuses too much on the individual and does not take into account the influence of social and cultural factors. According to Kohlberg, children develop their gender roles through their own cognitive processes, such as gender identity and gender stability. However, this overlooks the impact of societal norms, media, and family influences on a child's understanding of gender roles.
For example, a study by Bussey and Bandura (1999) found that children's gender-role development is heavily influenced by the behavior and attitudes of their parents, peers, and the media. This suggests that Kohlberg's theory may not fully capture the complexity of gender development, as it does not consider the external influences that shape a child's understanding of gender roles.
Another criticism of Kohlberg's theory is that it does not account for the experiences of individuals who do not fit into traditional gender categories. Kohlberg's theory assumes a binary understanding of gender, where individuals are either male or female, and develop gender roles based on their biological sex. This overlooks the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals, who may not fit into these traditional categories and may have different experiences of gender development.
For example, research by Lev (2004) found that transgender individuals often have unique experiences of gender development, as they may not identify with the gender roles associated with their biological sex. This suggests that Kohlberg's theory may not fully capture the diversity of gender experiences and development.
Lastly, Kohlberg's theory has been criticized for its lack of consideration of the intersectionality of gender with other social identities, such as race, class, and sexual orientation. Gender development is not experienced in isolation, and individuals may have different experiences of gender roles based on their intersecting social identities. Kohlberg's theory does not account for these intersecting identities and how they may influence a child's understanding of gender roles.
For example, research by Crenshaw (1989) introduced the concept of intersectionality, which highlights how different social identities intersect and influence an individual's experiences. This suggests that Kohlberg's theory may not fully capture the complexity of gender development, as it does not consider how intersecting social identities may shape a child's understanding of gender roles.
In conclusion, while Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development has provided valuable insights into how children develop their understanding of gender roles, it has been criticized for overlooking the influence of social and cultural factors, not accounting for individuals who do not fit into traditional gender categories, and not considering the intersectionality of gender with other social identities. These criticisms suggest that Kohlberg's theory may not fully capture the complexity of gender development and may need to be expanded to account for these factors.
Describe one gender difference that you have noticed among your friends. Identify three theoretical perspectives that you think could explain this gender difference, and describe what these perspectives would have to say about it.
Has what you have learned in this chapter about parents' role in gender socialization influenced your thoughts on how you might want to behave toward your own children? If so, how? If not, why not?
(33) Answered by Examlex AI CopilotYes, what I have learned in this chapter about parents' role in gender socialization has definitely influenced my thoughts on how I might want to behave toward my own children. I have become more aware of the impact that my actions and words can have on shaping my children's understanding of gender roles and stereotypes. I now realize the importance of being mindful of the messages I am sending to my children about gender and the expectations I may unintentionally be placing on them.
I want to make sure that I am not limiting my children based on their gender and that I am providing them with a diverse and inclusive environment where they can explore and express their own identities. I also want to actively challenge any gender stereotypes that may come up in our household and encourage my children to question and think critically about societal expectations related to gender.
Overall, I want to approach parenting with a more conscious and intentional mindset when it comes to gender socialization, and strive to create a supportive and empowering environment for my children to grow and develop without being constrained by traditional gender norms.
Describe the evolutionary psychological perspective on gender differences. Provide an example of a gender difference that is addressed by this perspective and how it is explained. What do you think about the evolutionary psychological perspective? Describe one aspect of it with which you agree and one aspect with which you disagree. Explain your perspective on these in detail.
(34) Describe the development of children's understanding of gender discrimination. What factors are involved in this understanding? Why might children's beliefs about gender discrimination not align with their behaviour?
Design an intervention aimed at reducing gender stereotypes. What would that intervention look like, what would its goal(s) be, and how would one measure success? Explain what theory or perspective most informs the intervention design and how that perspective informs the design.
(28) Give two examples of ways that girls and boys may elicit differential treatment from their parents. Can this entirely explain why parents differentially treat their sons and daughters? Why or why not? Be specific.
(32) Using the model of self-socialization proposed by gender schema theory, outline how children choose among the array of objects and activities available to them, and how those choices influence their knowledge. Give a specific example of one such choice and explain how the gender schema theory would explain that choice.
(31) Describe the processes of self-socialization and parent socialization of gender-appropriate behaviour. Give three examples of each.
(30) How are nature, nurture, and the interaction between nature and nurture involved in the differences between the intelligence of males and females? Be sure to provide specific examples of each influence that is involved.
(34) Describe two similarities and two differences between the process of gender development as proposed by gender schema theory and as proposed by social identity theory.
(38) Describe the two tendencies that, according to gender schema theory, help to perpetuate gender stereotypes that have little or no basis in reality. Then, think of a gender stereotype that appears to have little or no basis in reality and explain how these two tendencies may play a role in its perpetuation.
(41) Describe your position on parental socialization of gender differences. First, what role do you believe parents play in the development of gender differences? Second, do you believe parents should try to minimize their gender socialization, or do you believe that this socialization is necessary for children to succeed as members of society? Be sure to give a thorough explanation of your position, and provide supportive examples.
(36) Describe the stages of Kohlberg's cognitive developmental theory of gender-role development. What questions could one ask a child to determine at what stage his or her current level of knowledge is? What types of mistakes do children make in the first two stages, before they have achieved the final stage?
(27) A friend says that her son and daughter are entirely different from each other. Her son likes to play in the dirt, play with trucks, and build elaborate towers out of blocks. Her daughter likes to play dress up, pretend she is feeding her dolls, and loves ballet. The friend insists that she has always treated her two children exactly the same. Would you agree or disagree with your friend's analysis? Describe three things you would tell your friend, and identify what theoretical perspective would be most informative in this conversation.
(24) Describe the process by which cognitive and motivational influences might influence gender differences in aggression. Provide at least two examples.
How are nature, nurture, and the interaction between nature and nurture involved in the differences between the prosocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour of boys and girls? Be sure to provide specific examples of each influence that is involved.
(34) Describe the extent to which members of each gender are gender typed and the extent to which society allows individuals of the two genders to stray from their gender type. Specifically, are males and females allowed to diverge from their gender type to the same extent? Provide supportive evidence. Why does society have these degrees of allowance for the two genders?
(34) Of the four cognitive theories of gender development discussed in the text, which one do you think explains the widest variety of gender differences? Describe the processes or components proposed by the theory that you think contribute to its superiority. Illustrate your point using a gender difference that is explained well by this theory, but that is not explained well by the other theories.
Why do you think parents are more flexible with their daughters' gender roles than with those of their sons? Provide supportive examples.
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