What does gender schema theory propose?

Gender schema theory posits that children actively construct their own understanding of gender roles and characteristics based on societal cues and personal experiences. According to this theory, children internalize and organize information about gender into cognitive frameworks, known as gender schemas. These schemas help them distinguish between what is deemed masculine or feminine within their culture.

As children interact with the world around them, they observe behaviors, activities, and attributes that society associates with each gender. Through this process, they form individualized conceptions of what it means to be male or female, guiding their own behavior and expectations in alignment with these learned schemas. Additionally, they may also begin to categorize others according to these notions, which influences their social interactions.

This understanding of cognitive development emphasizes the active role of children in shaping their perspectives on gender rather than simply absorbing external lessons on gender roles or identity. By doing so, gender schema theory highlights the complex interplay between innate tendencies and environmental influences in the formation of gender identity and roles.