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Chapter 4: Problem 3

According to the social learning theory, how do children learn gender roles?

Short Answer

Expert verified
According to the social learning theory, children learn gender roles primarily through the processes of observation, imitation, and reinforcement. They observe the gender-specific behaviors of adults and peers, imitate those behaviors which they associate with their own gender, and receive reinforcement for behaviors that conform to societal expectations based on their gender.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the Social Learning Theory

The social learning theory, proposed by Albert Bandura, suggests that learning is a cognitive process that takes place in a social context and can occur through observation or direct instruction, even in the absence of direct reinforcement.
02

Application of the theory to gender role learning

Children learn gender roles primarily through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. The observation part comes from watching the people around them, especially those in their immediate families, and seeing how those people adhere to societal norms and expectations related to gender.
03

Role of Imitation

Imitation comes next as children will begin to mimic the behavior, attitudes, and expressions they observe from those around them and consider them as part of their gender identity.
04

Role of Reinforcement

Reinforcement is an important element in learning gender roles because children quickly figure out that certain behaviors earn praise or rewards, while others may invite disapproval or punishment. Such positive or negative responses from society enforce the adherence to specific gender roles.

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