1. Explaining Gender Roles: Two Contemporary Theories

2. Social Learning Theory Gender theories have included findings and opinions from anthropology, sociology, neuroscience, medicine, philosophy, political science, economics, and religion Social Learning Theory - Gender roles are acquired through the basic processes of learning, including reinforcement, punishment, and modeling

3. Gender Schema Theory Gender-role development is influenced by the child’s formation of schemas, or mental representations, of masculinity and femininity An example of how a child forms a schema associated with gender. A girl is offered a choice of 4 toys to play with. I am a girl Toy car Doll Orange Artichoke Approach object Who for? Is it relevant to me? Avoid/ Forget Assign to category and remember/ Approach Not for me For me Boys Girls

4. Gender Schemas… 1. Influence how people pay attention to, perceive, interpret, and remember gender-relevant behavior 2. Seem to lead children to perceive members of their own sex more favorably than members of the opposite sex 3. Include a broad range of qualities and attributes that are less concrete, such as associating “gentleness” with females and “toughness” with males

5. A Quick Comparison Social Learning Theory – Children learn gender roles through observation of parents & through reinforcement. Gender Schema Theory – Children actively form mental categories (schemas) for masculinity & femininity, recognize their own gender role, and select activities that match that role.