Social Schemas

Social schemas are mental frameworks that help us understand and interpret social situations and the behaviors of others. They are like mental shortcuts based on past experiences, cultural norms, and knowledge about social roles (such as a teacher or a doctor). These schemas shape our expectations and responses, making social interactions smoother by providing a guiding reference. For example, your social schema for a restaurant might include expectations about menus, ordering food, and appropriate behavior. They develop over time and influence how we perceive and navigate the complex social world around us.