Social learning theory and cognitive development theory have valid criticisms when applied to gender development. However, when viewed together, they do a fairly good job of describing how gender develops in children. Studying and reviewing these two theories for your assignment this week will help you prepare for your signature assignment, where you will discuss nature and nurture influences of gender development.
Instructions
Create content suitable for a blog where you explore distinct stages of gender development in relation to two major theories: Social learning theory and cognitive developmental theory.
You should create an engaging narrative to educate a vast population of readers. Use easy-to-understand language while ensuring that any facts and definitions are covered by sound science (include citations!). If appropriate, blog content should include pictures, graphs, and images, and you could include video links if desired.
Length: This assignment should be 3-4 pages, excluding the title and reference pages.
References: Include a minimum of three scholarly resources.
The completed assignment should address all assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA 7th edition standards.
Resources
- The Gendered Family Process Model: An Integrative Framework of Gender in the Family
Endendijk, J. J., Groeneveld, M. G., & Mesman, J. (2018). The gendered family process model: An integrative framework of gender in the family. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 47(4), 877–904.
This article provides an excellent overview of the biological, social, and cognitive processes in a gendered family process (GFP) model.
- Gender in childhood
Brown, C. S., Biefeld, S. D., & Tam, M. J. (2020). Gender in childhood. Cambridge University Press.
Provides a review of the literature on gender development from a developmental science perspective.
- Gender and Social-Cognitive Development
Leaper, C. (2023). Gender and social‐cognitive development. In R.M. Lerner (Series Ed.), L.S. Liben & U. Muller (Vol. Eds.) Handbook of child psychology and developmental science (7th ed.), Vol. 2 Cognitive processes (pp. 806-853). New York: Wiley.
Book chapter that provides an overview of contemporary theory and research on children’s gender development from a social-cognitive perspective.
