social explanations

• • If as the evidence suggests, gender norms are defined by the environment and learning, this presents us with real world applications to tackle negative stereotypes on gender roles. For example, stereotypes can be tackled by providing learning experiences for children that would reinforce the idea of positive sex roles being equally applicable across males and females.
• A key strength of Social Learning Theory (SLT) is the strong empirical evidence supporting the role of observation and imitation in gender development. Studies by Bandura, such as the Bobo Doll experiment, demonstrate that children model behaviors they observe in others, particularly when those behaviors are performed by role models of the same sex.
• This supports SLT’s assertion that children acquire gendered behaviors through social interactions rather than biological predispositions. However, critics argue that while SLT explains the acquisition of specific behaviors, it does not adequately address why children often internalize gender roles deeply and consistently, suggesting other factors like innate influences might play a role
• A limitation of SLT is its tendency to overlook biological factors in gender development. Evidence from studies on hormones, such as testosterone's role in promoting male-typical behaviors like aggression, challenges the idea that gender identity is solely a product of socialization
• Applying social learning theory to media influences on gender roles, the media does more than simply model stereotypical behaviours but also informs viewers on the likely outcomes for those behaviours for both males and females. When observers see similar behaviours succeed, it raises their own beliefs about their own capabilities (self-efficacy) to engage in such. When they see failure from behaviours, this produces self-doubt about ones own ability to engage in such.
• Perry and Bussey (1979)

  Showed film clips to children aged 8 and 9On the film, boys and girls were seen selecting an apple or a pear (both gender neutral)Later on, the children were given a choice of fruitThe children selected the fruit they had seen their same-sex model select

  supports the idea that we learn about gender appropriate behaviour through the observation of models