Cognitive explanation: Gender schema theory

Question 1

whose theory is gender schema theory

Answer 1

Martin and Halverson (1981)

Question 2

Gender schema theory

Answer 2

Children develop mental frameworks (schemas) about gender after identifying their own gender (around 2-3 years)
These schemas guide how they process, organise, and remember gender-related information

Question 3

In-Group/Out-Group Schemas

Answer 3

In-group schemas are about the child’s own gender
out-group schemas are about the opposite

Question 4

resilience of gender beliefs

Answer 4

Schemas become resilient and resistant to change, even when children see conflicting evidence

Question 5

peer relationships

Answer 5

Peers reinforce gender schemas through approval, disapproval, and modelling of behaviour

Question 6

Sandra Bem (1981) and Gender Schema Theory

Answer 6

Bem argued rigid schemas promote stereotypes and limit personal growth

Question 7

Limitations

Answer 7

❌ Ignores biological factors
→ Example: Doesn’t consider how hormones influence gender development.

❌ Contradictory findings
→ Example: Some children show gender-inappropriate behaviour despite strong schemas

Question 8

Strength

Answer 8

✅ Explains rigidity in gender roles
→ Example: Young children focus on information consistent with their gender schemas.

✅ Supported by research
→ Example: Martin & Halverson (1983) found children remembered schema-consistent information better