cognitive explanations: Kohlberg’s theory

• Kohlberg’s theory is cognitive because a child’s thinking about their gender is emphasised. Developmental because the theory is concerned with changes in thinking over time. Therefore, Kohlberg's theory is the cognitive-developmental approach
• the three stages of gender development identified by Kohlberg’s are:

  • gender identity (2 years old)- children are able to correctly identify themselves as a boy or a girl. By 3 years children are able to identify others as boy or girl
  • gender stability (4 years old)- children realise that they will stay the same gender over time. But they find it difficult to apply this logic to other people and situations
  • gender constancy (6 years old)- children now recognise that gender remains constant across time and situations and can apply it to others and themselves
• One strength is that there is supporting research. Researchers told children a story of a boy who liked to play with dolls. The children were told to comment. 4 year olds said it was fine. 6 year olds thought it was wrong as they developed rules about what they ought to do (gender stereotyping). This would suggest that children who have achieved constancy have formed rigid stereotypes regarding gender appropriate behaviour
• One limitation is the methodology of supporting studies. Bem suggests it is no wonder younger children are confused by changes in appearance because out culture demarcates gender through hairstyle and clothes. Bem found 40% of children ages 3-5 demonstrated constancy if they were first shown a naked photo of the child to be identified. This suggests the typical way of testing gender constancy may misrepresent what younger children actually know
• One limitation is there may be different degrees of constancy. Researchers suggest an initial degree of constancy may help children choose friends or seek gender information and develops before age 6. A second degree may heighten responsiveness to gender norms under conditions of conflict, such as choosing appropriate clothes or attitudes. This suggests that the acquisition of constancy may be a more gradual process and begins earlier than Kohlberg’s thought