Gender schema theory is a cognitive framework introduced by the psychologist Sandra Bem in 1981 to explain how people come to acquire gender-typed traits and behavior within a society. The theory holds that gender-related information is organized and transmitted through schemata, mental networks that make certain kinds of information easier to notice, process and remember. According to the theory, individuals differ in the degree to which they internalize these gender-based frameworks, and this variation is reflected in differing levels of sex-typing, meaning the assignment of particular traits and skills to one gender or the other.
Facts
Core ClaimA cognitive theory explaining how individuals become gendered in society and how sex-linked characteristics are maintained and transmitted within a culture. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of PhenomenonDevelopmental Phenomenon 1 Connections
Associated With
Developed gender schema theory to explain how children come to encode and organize information along gender lines.
In Branch
Source Gender schema theory, Wikipedia
Source Gender schema theory, Wikipedia
Sources
1. Gender schema theory, Wikipedia
Lead paragraph
Gender schema theory is a cognitive theory to explain how individuals become gendered in society, and how sex-linked characteristics are maintained and transmitted to other members of a culture.
Lead paragraph, introduction of the theory
The theory was formally introduced by Sandra Bem in 1981.
In Branch: Cognitive Psychology, Categories
Wikipedia article 'Gender schema theory' is filed under Category:Cognitive biases.
In Branch: Social Psychology, Categories
Wikipedia article 'Gender schema theory' is filed under Category:Social psychology concepts.
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