History
Gender schema theory was introduced by Sandra Bem in 1981 as 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. Gender-associated information is predominantly transmuted through society by way of schemata, or networks of information that allow for some information to be more easily assimilated than others. Bem argues that there are individual differences in the degree to which people hold these gender schemata. These differences are manifested via the degree to which individuals are sex-typed.
A theory of gender development that combines social learning and cognitive learning theory. Thus, gender roles are formed in part by observing others and learning from how others act, and from accomplishing different cognitive tasks specific to cultures that are done by men and by women.
Characteristics
Gender schema theory is based on the following assumptions:
- People have a cognitive structure, or schema, for gender.
- This schema is influenced by the individual’s culture and experiences.
- The schema guides the way that people interpret and respond to information about gender.
- People are motivated to maintain their gender schema.
Related Terms
- Gender schema: A cognitive structure that organizes information about gender.
- Sex-typing: The degree to which an individual’s behavior, interests, and personality are consistent with traditional gender roles.
- Androgyny: A gender identity that is characterized by both feminine and masculine traits.
- Undifferentiated: A gender identity that is characterized by few or no gender-typed traits.
Sources
- Bem, S. L. (1981). Gender schema theory: A cognitive account of sex-typing. Psychological Review, 88, 354-364.
- Martin, C. L., & Ruble, D. N. (2004). Children’s understanding of gender roles: Development and consequences. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 13, 20-25.
- Wood, W., & Eagly, A. H. (2002). A new look at the causes of gender differences in social behavior. In A. E. Beall & R. J. Sternberg (Eds.), The psychology of gender (2nd ed., pp. 62-92). New York, NY: Guilford Press.