The social learning theory is one that has been widely referred to determine how young children interact and learn from their surroundings. According to the article Gender Socialization, the social learning theory is, “an outgrowth of the behaviorist tradition, according to which children learn gender-appropriate behavior by observing and imitating their same-sex parent and are reinforced, both positively and negatively, for gender-appropriate and -inappropriate behavior” (“Gender Socialization”). The theory was recognized by Albert Bandura who believed children learned and were affected most by observing their surroundings. Although the theory is widely referred to there are still many discrepancies that scholars point out. This article will examine the impact of the social learning theory in communication and gender relations as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses of the theory.
Socialization can be defined as the type of social learning that occurs when a person interacts with other individuals (“Socialization in Peer Groups”). The social learning theory is founded on the idea that children learn through “observational learning” (O’Rorke, 2006). Children are heavily influenced and learn how to communication through three main institutions: parents/relatives, peers, and media. According to Social Learning Theory & Mass Communication, “People are intertwined in networks of relationships that include co-workers, friendships, classmates, teammates, intimate relationships and family members” (O’Rorke, 2006). Each of these networks has an effect on how one communicates and perceives others, and is believed to be necessary to ensure proper growth and social skills. An example of the importance of these networks is found in researching the impact of homeschooling children. Many researchers concluded that homeschooled children did not develop proper social skills needed to interact with others outside of their homes as a result of being isolated from socialization that occurs within public schools (“Socialization in Peer Groups”).
The social learning theory also determines how young children identify with their gender. According to Gender Socialization, “children are reinforced, both positively and negatively, in their gender-appropriate and -inappropriate behavior” (“Gender Socialization”). Young girls and boys learn from observing the behaviors of adults of the same genders and then replicate these behaviors. These behaviors are then repeated when encouraged through positive reinforcement by adults. With gender relations and socialization, parents are the most important source; followed closely by the media and television, all of which determine what “gender appropriate” is (“Gender Socialization”). For example, young girls are encouraged to play with dolls whereas boys playing with dolls would typically cause a parent to negatively reinforce this behavior.
Although the theory is excellent in proving how youth socialize from a young age, it has also faced some criticism. For one, many believe that the child is characterized as being too passive (“Gender Socialization”), and that children are more complex than the theory describes them as being. Scholars argue against this assertion, believing that children are more engaged and actively participate in their socialization (“Gender Socialization”). It is has also been found that, “parents who themselves exhibit sex-stereotypical behaviors are not more likely than other parents to have children who exhibit strong sex-stereotypical behaviors, thus discrediting the idea that children imitate same-sex adults (“Gender Socialization”). Ultimately, the biggest flaw in the social learning theory is that it discredits how active children learn. Although a large part of learning occurs through observation, it also occurs through acting and doing.
References
Gender Socialization. Research Starters eNotes.com. Retrieved from
http://www.enotes.com/research-starters/gender-socialization#research-starter-research-
starter
Socialization in Peer Groups. Research Starters eNotes.com. Retrieved from
http://www.enotes.com/research-starters/socialization-peer-groups#research-starter-
research-starter
O’Rorke, O. (2006). Social Learning Theory & Mass Communication. ABEA Journal; Volume
25(22). Retrieved from journal.azbea.org/v25/v25v22n2.pdf
