How does gender schema theory explain gender development?

Gender schema theory suggests that children develop gender roles and identities through socialization and the formation of cognitive frameworks.

Gender schema theory proposes that children develop gender roles and identities through socialization and the formation of cognitive frameworks. These frameworks, or schemas, are developed through interactions with parents, peers, and media, and are used to organize and interpret information about gender. Children learn to categorize people and objects based on gender, and as a result, they develop gender stereotypes and expectations.

According to gender schema theory, children actively seek out information that confirms their existing gender schemas, while ignoring or distorting information that contradicts them. This process of selective attention and interpretation reinforces gender stereotypes and biases, and can lead to gender segregation and discrimination.

Gender schema theory also suggests that gender schemas can be modified or changed through new experiences and information. For example, exposure to non-traditional gender roles or positive role models can challenge existing gender schemas and lead to more flexible and egalitarian attitudes.

Overall, gender schema theory provides a useful framework for understanding how gender roles and identities are formed and maintained, and highlights the importance of socialization and cognitive processes in shaping our understanding of gender.