Question

Elliot is enjoying watching his son grow up. He realizes that his son currently has no conception of sex or gender--his own or anyone else's. But as soon as his mind has matured to the point he can recognize constant patterns of male-ness and female-ness, he will develop his gender identity. Which theory in your text best applies to this example of stages?

Group of answer choices:

social learning theory

cognitive development theory

gender-role transcendence theory

psychosexual theory

Answer 1

According to the social learning theory, gender identity is developed through imitation of adults. Learning takes place through direct observation as well as punishments and rewards. Clearly, the theory of gender identity described in the question does not involve reinforcements or observational learning.

Option a) social learning theory is incorrect.

The gender role transcendence theory claims that people gradually move beyond culturally enforced gender roles and develop an ambivalent attitude towards them. In the given situation, there is no ambivalent attitude towards gender roles.

Option c) gender-role transcendence theory is incorrect.

The psychosexual theory of gender development was enunciated by Sigmund Freud. According to this view, the gender identity development of a child takes place in the phallic stage of psychosexual development. The theory involves the concepts of the Oedipus complex, Electra complex, and castration complex.

Option d) psychosexual theory is incorrect.

According to the cognitive development theory proposed by Kohlberg, children first acquire a basic gender identity, following which they seek to understand their gender roles better through their social experiences. In the given example, Elliot believes that the maturation of his son's mind takes place first, and this drives his son to look for patterns od male-ness and female-ness. Hence, Elliot's view agrees with Kohlberg's cognitive development theory.

Option b) cognitive development theory is correct.