Gender Schema Theory

Gender Schema Theory suggests that children develop mental frameworks, or "schemas," about what it means to be male or female based on their experiences and societal influences. These schemas help them interpret and organize information, guiding how they perceive themselves and others. As children grow, they tend to seek out and remember gender-appropriate behaviors and roles, which reinforces these schemas. This process influences their interests, actions, and social interactions, shaping their understanding of gender norms. Essentially, it explains how cultural expectations shape our ideas about gender and influence our behavior over time.