Social Cognitive Theory of Gender Development and Functioning - Term Paper Example

Social Cognitive Theory of Gender Development and Functioning The development and functioning of the social concept of gender can be considered as one of the most important social issues due to the fact that the roles and responsibilities of a person in the society are deeply rooted on the functions of the specific gender classification. The main objective of the paper is to summarize and discuss the ideas presented by the authors Bussey and Bandura in their work. Definition of Important Concepts There are different important concepts discussed in the paper. One of the said concepts is the gender development due to its role in the social adaptations of human beings such as expression of their innate talents, achievement of goals and following a certain path in life. Though there are both positive and negative effects of classification through gender, it can be considered as the main basis in the segregation needed in different aspects of life (p. 92). Gender differentiation is another influential concept that has effects on the social functions and roles of a person. This can be attributed to the fact that the society often presents a double standard on the genders resulting to prejudice on the basis of being male or being female. The stereotypical notion, that males are stronger, more capable and have higher status, can be considered as the effect of such view. Although gender differences can evidently be based on the physical attributes, it is the socio-cultural aspect which can greatly affect the development of a person (p. 92-93). There are different theories through the course of history include the Freudian psychoanalytic theories, Kohlberg’s cognitive theory, the gender schema theory and the social and biological theories (p. 93). The study undertaken is focused on the discussion of the Social Cognitive theory which constitutes different aspects namely biological, cognitive and social. The said theory can be considered to have the important applications in the different scenarios in the society due to its recognition the complex interaction of functions that can constitute the gender development of a person. Different Aspects and Issues Related to the Social Cognitive Theory To be able to understand and apply the Social Cognitive Theory, it is essential to understand the main point of view, the causal perspective and the possible functions. In terms of the basic point of view of the theory, it can be considered as a synergy of the concepts of personal, behavioral and environmental theories which include the different interactions between the said factors can be considered as the main strength of the Social Cognitive Theory (p. 94). It can be analyzed that from the main cause and origin of the said theory, the cognition and the analysis of the different issues and concerns within the social realm is the main focus. Due to the fact that the gender development and functioning in the society can be considered as one of the primary foundations and basis of other related and alternative theories, the application of the Social Cognitive Theory encapsulates the interaction of the different factors with the consideration of the different cases, situations and environmental constraints that can affect such application (p. 94). This can only mean that in some cases personal factors can rule over the other groups of factors such as behavioral and environmental components, for example in a society wherein there is higher level of freedom. In such scenarios, the personal theories can be considered as the main basis. On the other hand, in a well defined and specified social structure, environmental aspect can rule over other factors. This can also apply to the behavioral factors. The said structure can then be considered as the main cause to be able to determine the development of people in the society. Specifically, the application for gender differentiation and functioning is the main focus in the study undertaken. Upon the determination of the possible concepts that constitute and comprise the Social Cognitive Theory, another important aspect is the determination of the modes of influences. Based on the study undertaken, there are three major modes of influences namely social modeling, performance experiences and gendered conduct specifics such as social reactions and direct tutelage. Modeling is one of the main methods to be able to determine the concepts related to gender development specifically values, attitudes and patterns of behavior which can be applied to different interrelationships such as within the home, the educational community, the workplace and other acquaintances (p. 95). Another manner of determining the application of the Social Concept Theory is through the application of enactive experience which is focused on the behavior and the ways of reacting to such behaviors. Due to the limiting effects of some society and cultural units over the gender-related issues, the determination of the gender development and functioning can be undertaken through the study and analysis of the reaction of people on different scenarios and events. The reactions can be segregated and classified on the basis of the gender and other related factors such as age and personal interrelationship. Based on the said factor then, the determination of the gender development and function can be based on the background information of the person that can be considered as the main reason for the observed reaction (p. 96). The third mode of application is through the concept referred to as the direct tutelage. This can be related to the application of perceived social and cultural rules. For that matter, people are expected to act in certain ways set and limited by the social group and specifically for the case under study, the gender groups. Though there are certain opinions that the said method can be prejudice in certain aspects, it is important to consider that the effectiveness of the application of cultural perception can be improved on the basis of the coverage and influence of the particular culture. For example, if a gender-linked practice is recognized by a particular region, then the expectations regarding people in that region to follow is greater. For that matter, if a person failed to conform then the society can have negative opinions regarding the matter (p. 96). Based on the said basis of the analysis of gender development and functioning, it can be considered that the application of the Social Cognitive Theory is a complex interaction of the different modes of influence along with the causal structure. Upon the determination of the causes of gender development in a person, the different modes of influence can be analyzed. If such understanding is achieved, it can be considered that development and functioning in the gender groups are needed to be regulated. For that matter, the issue regarding the ways of regulating gendered conduct and behavior follow. Methods of Regulating Gendered Conduct and Role Behavior There are different ways to be able to regulate the conduct and role behavior of a person. These includes the regulation through the gender-linked social actions, regulatory self-sanctions and perceived self efficacy. The gender-linked social sanctions can be considered to cover the factors outside the self that set rules and guidelines in achieving gender development and functions on the basis of the knowledge achieved from experiences and accounts of different people in different aspects and circumstances in life. Another area covered by the regulatory actions covers that of one‘s own self. Based on the Social Cognitive Theory, the said regulatory process is initiated through the inculcation of values from environmental or outside influence. Based on the said influence, a person can establish his/her own standard and principles in life. The development of a person’s character, for example in terms of gender then can be considered socially regulated at first and gradually self-regulated (p. 98). Upon the development of such regulatory mechanisms, the self-efficacy then follows which can be towards the positive or the negative direction. As a result the attitude and gender development can be for the improvement or for the degradation of one’s self (p. 99). In the analysis of the gender development and functioning on the basis of the social cognitive theory, there are different issues that are given attention. One is the development of the gender through the socially regulated aspects with the influence of different social components such as parents, peers, media and educational systems. The said groups can establish the basic view of the person regarding gender development, differentiation and functioning. When different knowledge and principles are imbibed, the person establishes his/her own gender-linked values and principles. These principles are then applied in the social groups where he/she belongs such as the workplace and the other social subsystems where the person can contribute identity for the development of other people (p. 100-113). Conclusion Based on the study undertaken, the social cognitive theory can be considered as a fundamental view that can explain and justify the different occurrences in relation to the gender-related issues in the society. This can be attributed to the fact that it covered not only the personal, behavioral and environmental factors that comprise the development of gender functions but also the complex interactions between the said factors. The study and understanding achieved through the said theory then had been the main basis for the determination of the gender development process which operates from the society to the person through the input of gender related values and in turn the person can synthesize personal principles that can be applied to be able to react and survive in the society. Read More