This theory places great emphasis upon two points and they; observational learning and reinforcement. This theory also looks into gender roles and the difference in the upbringing of males and females. The behaviour demonstrated by both young boys and girls is either encouraged or discouraged based upon the action fulfilled and this reinforcement can either be demonstrated subtly or in a more severe manner. This is known as motivational learning and reinforcement. This theory also looks into the portrayal of both males and females in the media and its effects on gender development (Gross, 2010). This theory solely depends upon environmental influences whilst disregarding the biological influences, thus is considered a reductionist theory. Therefore, it does not give an accurate account of the complexity of the human behaviour. It is more likely that behaviour is caused by a mix of biological and environmental influences (Simply Psychology, …show more content…
In studying the psychodynamic theory of Freud and the research conducted by Golombok, one finds contradiction of the research with the theory, therefore causing the theory to be one of unreliability. On the other hand, in studying the social learning theory and research pertaining to testing that theory, one finds that observational learning and reinforcement are some of the key principles in gender role development which are intrinsically linked with the nurture side of the