Cognitive explanations of gender development, Kohlberg’s theory, gender…

The idea

Cognitive explanations propose that children's understanding of gender develops alongside their general cognitive maturation. Kohlberg’s theory outlines three stages: gender identity (around age two, recognising oneself as male or female), gender stability (around age four, understanding gender remains fixed over time but can be confused by outward appearance), and gender constancy (around age six, realising gender remains consistent across time and situations, prompting the imitation of same-sex models). In contrast, Martin and Halverson’s gender schema theory argues that children begin forming schemas—mental frameworks organising gender-appropriate behaviour—as soon as they establish basic gender identity. These schemas actively direct a child's attention towards in-group behaviours and away from out-group behaviours long before constancy is achieved.

What earns the marks

• Outline Kohlberg's three stages of gender development: identity, stability, and constancy, including approximate ages.
• Explain that in Kohlberg's theory, children only actively seek out same-sex role models after achieving gender constancy.
• Describe Martin and Halverson's gender schema theory, emphasising that schema formation begins immediately after gender identity is established.
• Evaluate both theories using research evidence, such as Slaby and Frey for Kohlberg, or Martin and Halverson's own memory distortion studies for schema theory.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing gender stability with gender constancy.

  Put it right: Stability refers to consistency over time, whereas constancy includes consistency across different situations and outward appearances.

• Stating that gender schema theory requires gender constancy.

  Put it right by noting that schema theory posits children begin absorbing gender-appropriate information immediately after basic gender identity is reached.

• Using the theories interchangeably.

  Put it right: Ensure you distinguish Kohlberg's stage-based maturation from Martin and Halverson's information-processing approach.

Exam tips

• Use specific ages when outlining Kohlberg's stages to demonstrate precise knowledge of the developmental timeline.
• When evaluating, contrast the two theories directly, particularly regarding when children begin to actively seek out gender-specific information.
• Reference methodological issues in research with young children, such as demand characteristics or limited vocabulary, when evaluating these cognitive theories.