Cognitive Explanations of Gender Development

This essay will discuss how cognitive explanations of gender development can be used to explain the comments made by Olga and Frank about their son Donny. Olga stated that Donny’s ideas about gender have changed significantly since he was “very little” and that when he was younger, he used to say he would be “a mummy” when he grew up. Frank added that now, at age five, Donny insists he will be “a tractor man” when he’s older and that he spends all his time in the playground with the other boys, “watching what they are doing and why.”

Kohlberg's Theory of Gender Constancy

Kohlberg’s (1966) theory of gender constancy proposes that children’s understanding of gender develops in a series of stages. The first stage, gender identity, emerges around age two to three. At this stage, children can correctly identify their own gender, but they do not yet understand that gender is a permanent characteristic. This explains why Donny might have believed he could grow up to be a mummy, even though he identified as a boy.

Around the age of four to five, children enter the gender stability stage. They now understand that their own gender will remain stable over time, but they may still believe that someone’s gender can change based on superficial characteristics, like clothing or hairstyle. Donny’s statement that he will be “a tractor man” when he grows up suggests that he has now progressed to the gender stability stage. He understands that he is a boy and that this will not change as he gets older.

Gender Schema Theory

Martin and Halverson (1983) proposed the gender schema theory, which suggests that children develop schemas, or cognitive frameworks, for understanding gender. These schemas are based on their experiences and observations of the world around them. Once a child has established a basic understanding of gender, they start to seek out information that confirms and strengthens their existing schema. This explains why Donny focuses on the boys in the playground and ignores the girls. He is actively seeking out information that is consistent with his developing understanding of what it means to be a boy.

The Role of Socialisation and Cognitive Maturation

Cognitive theories of gender development emphasize the importance of both biological maturation and social experience. While children’s cognitive abilities develop naturally over time, their interactions with the environment also play a crucial role in shaping their understanding of gender. Donny’s observation of the boys in the playground and his attempt to understand their behavior (“watching what they are doing and why”) highlight the influence of social learning. As children grow older, they become less egocentric and more capable of understanding other people’s perspectives. This newfound ability to see things from another’s point of view further contributes to their developing understanding of gender.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cognitive explanations provide a valuable framework for understanding Donny’s changing beliefs about gender. His earlier confusion about his future gender role and his current focus on male peers can be explained by considering his stage of cognitive development and the influence of gender schemas. As Donny continues to mature and interact with the world around him, his understanding of gender will continue to evolve and become more nuanced.