Little girls are typically rewarded for being quiet and obedient, whereas little boys are often rewarded for being athletic and tough. As a result, children are more likely to repeat the behaviors that have been reinforced, and gender differences in behavior develop. Which theory best explains this phenomenon?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Social learning theory suggests that gender differences in behavior develop through observation, imitation, and reinforcement of gendered behavior. The example given in the question-- girls being rewarded for being quiet and obedient and boys being rewarded for being athletic and tough-- is an example of reinforcement of gendered behavior. Therefore, social learning theory best explains this phenomenon.

Little Girls Are Typically Rewarded for Being Quiet and Obedient