Final answer:
Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development and Gender examines how children learn different moral perspectives based on their gender, proposing that boys have a justice perspective while girls have a care and responsibility perspective. Gender roles are learned through socialization, with societal expectations shaping behaviors from a young age, often reinforced by toys, activities, and education systems that embody traditional gender binaries.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory that focuses on the gender lessons learned during childhood and their influence on people's actions is known as Gilligan's Theory of Moral Development and Gender. Carol Gilligan's research highlights that boys and girls develop different moral perspectives; boys often adopt a justice perspective, focusing on rules and laws, whereas girls are more likely to have a care and responsibility perspective, giving consideration to the intentions behind actions. The theory arose in response to potential gender bias in earlier work by Kohlberg, which was based only on male subjects and may have missed gender-specific patterns of moral development.
The learning of gender roles through socialization begins at an early age, with societal expectations significantly influencing children's behaviors. Toys, activities, and school environments are some of the mediums through which gender roles are reinforced. Boys may be steered towards activities that promote independence and physicality, while girls may be encouraged to engage in nurturing and social behaviors.
Gender stereotyping through socialization leads to societal stratification by affirming traditional gender binary roles, resulting in gender inequality. These stereotypes are formed based on societal values, beliefs, and attitudes, which often oversimplify and overgeneralize the traits and behaviors of women and men, culminating from an early age into adulthood.