Parental reinforcement refers to the process by which parents reward or punish certain behaviors in their children to encourage or discourage their repetition. In the context of gender-specific behavior, it is the idea that parents reinforce and shape their child's gender identity through rewards and punishments.
Gender identity refers to an individual's deeply-held sense of being male, female, or something else, which may not necessarily align with their biological sex.
Social learning theory suggests that individuals learn behavior by observing and imitating others. It emphasizes the role of social factors, such as parental reinforcement, in shaping behavior.
Cognitive development theory focuses on how children actively construct knowledge and understanding about themselves and the world around them. It explores how children develop concepts like gender identity through cognitive processes.