Perry and Bussey (1979)- found children chose the same fruit as their same-sex role model.
Contradictory evidence
David Reimer
Nanne van der Poll et al (1988)
Alexander and Hines (2002)
Hassett et al (2008)
Supporting evidence
Smith and Lloyd (1978)- found babies who were assumed to be ‘boys’ were given a hammer-shaped rattle and when the same babies were dressed as ‘girls’ they were handed a cuddly doll regardless of their actual sex.
Other explanations
Biological explanations
Supporting evidence
The increasing lack of distinction between masculine and feminine traits in a Western society reflects the increase in androgynous behaviour being reported in young adults.
However point for practical applications
Research shows that even when children are exposed to counter-stereotypes, they may not always perceive or remember them accurately (Robins, 2009, Cann & Newbern, 1984)
Practical applications
The social learning theory shows how the media can maintain negative stereotypes about masculine and feminine behaviour.
