What types of sex-role behavior should behavior modifiers promote?

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Therapy
• Gender Studies

Background:

• A 1974 study utilized reinforcement to alter cross-gender behavior in a 5-year-old.
• Traditional sex-role concepts were employed to define target behaviors for modification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the use of traditional sex-role concepts in behavioral modification.
• To propose androgynous behavior as an empirically supported alternative.
• To question the pathological framing of cross-gender behavior in young children.

Main Methods:

• Review and critique of a 1974 study employing reinforcement procedures.
• Analysis of the theoretical underpinnings of sex-role behavior modification.
• Discussion of the therapist's role and ethical considerations.

Main Results:

• Criticism of using rigid sex-role stereotypes as targets for behavioral change.
• Questioning the pathological classification of early cross-gender behavior.
• Highlighting the difficulty in predicting long-term sex-role behavior from childhood.

Conclusions:

• Androgynous behavior is presented as a more empirically sound alternative.
• The study raises ethical questions about the therapist's role and beneficiaries.
• Challenges the assumption that early cross-gender behavior requires intervention.