cultural schema theory

Cultural schema theory suggests that our minds develop mental frameworks, or "schemas," based on the shared beliefs, norms, and experiences within our culture. These schemas help us interpret and respond to new situations by providing mental shortcuts rooted in cultural understanding. For example, how we perceive gestures, social roles, or communication styles is influenced by these cultural schemas. Essentially, they shape our expectations and behaviors in a way that's consistent with our cultural background, making interactions smoother within our cultural context but sometimes leading to misunderstandings across different cultures.