What does gender schema refer to in psychological terms?

Gender schema refers to a cognitive framework that organizes and guides the processing of information based on gender. It encompasses the knowledge, beliefs, and expectations one has about gender roles, behaviors, and attributes, thereby influencing how individuals perceive themselves and others in relation to gender. This cognitive structure helps individuals categorize and interpret experiences, making it easier to navigate social expectations associated with being male or female.

In psychological terms, the gender schema theory posits that children learn about the gender norms of their culture and develop schemas that help them understand what behaviors, activities, and qualities are appropriate for their gender. These schemas play a significant role in shaping a person’s identity and experiences as they interact with the world around them.

While options related to physical traits, myths about gender, and media representations are relevant to discussions about gender, they do not capture the cognitive processes involved in the formation of gender identity and roles as comprehensively as the concept of gender schema does.