All behaviour is learnt from observing others.
Direct reinforcement: when children carry out gender appropriate behaviour
they are rewarded (praised/encouraged) thus its reinforced. The way boys and
girls are encouraged to show distinct gender appropriate behaviour is
differential reinforcement, which is where the child learns their gender identity.
Indirect reinforcement: if the consequence of another person’s behaviour are
favourable the behaviour is more likely to be imitated. If consequences are
unfavourable e.g. punished then less likely to imitate.
Identification and modelling: identification is when a child attaches themselves
to a person who possesses qualities the child sees as desirable - role models
who are attractive, high status and same gender. Once they identify w the
model, they observe and imitate the behaviour – modelling which occurs
through the mediational processes.
Attention, retention, motivation, motor reproduction.
Ao3:
Support from Lloyd who found that if a mother thought she was playing w a
boy, she encouraged more motor activity and gender appropriate toys, if a girl
then a cuddly toy. Therefore different parental interactions. Shows direct
reinforcement based on stereotypical biases.
Explains cultural changes in stereotypical gender-appropriate behaviour.
Despite no change in people’s biology, there’s less of a distinction between
what people regard as masculine and feminine in many societies. This shows