A01

• Define social learning theory as applied to gender development

  Feminine and masculine behaviour is learned through observation and imitation of same-sex role models and through reinforcement for gender-appropriate behaviour
• Explain direct learning / reinforcement in the context of gender development

  - When a child receives positive reinforcement for their gender-appropriate behaviour

  - Direct learning can also take place if the child is punished for gender-inappropriate behaviour they have engaged in
• Explain why direct reinforcements for gender-appropriate behaviours are important to a child's gender development

  Direct reinforcement is vital to increase a child's confidence and efficacy in engaging in the behaviour as the information about reinforcements for given behaviours by models is stored as an expectancy of future outcomes
• Explain differential reinforcement


  The way in which boys and girls are reinforced by those close to them when they show distinct gender-appropriate behaviour, it is through this process that a child learns their gender identity directly and indirectly
• Explain indirect learning / reinforcement in the context of gender development

  - When a child observes another person gaining praise for gender-appropriate behaviour or punishment for gender-inappropriate behaviour

  - The behaviour is learnt through vicarious reinforcement, as behaviour for which another is praised is likely to be learned (and imitated) by the child observing, while behaviour that is punished is likely not to be performed by the observer
• Explain the concept of 'agents of socialisation'

  Parents, siblings, teachers, friends, peers, etc. who model examples of appropriate and inappropriate behaviour, and the consequences of conforming or not conforming to gender norms (vicarious reinforcement)
• Outline what is meant by direct tuition

  The explicit instructions and guidance given to a child about gender-appropriate behaviour
• Explain identification


  - When a child internalises and adopts behaviours or attitudes shown by a role model

  - If the role model is someone the child admires and especially if they are the same sex as the child, then the behaviour is very likely to be imitated
• Describe modelling


  - From the role model's perspective - the precise demonstration of a behaviour that may be imitated by an observer (e.g. mother modelling stereotypically feminine behaviour when tidying the house)

  - From the observer's perspective - imitation of a behaviour portrayed by the model (e.g. when a little girl imitates her mother setting the table, she (mother) is modelling the behaviour)