When we say to a little boy, "Hey there tough guy," and we say to a little girl, "Hello sweet little princess," we are interacting based on categories we have deeply engrained related to masculinity and femininity. What theory attributes much of our gender role development to these ways of thinking?

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Gender schema theory suggests that we learn and develop gender roles based on our internalized schema, or set of beliefs and expectations, about what is appropriate behavior for males and females. These schemas are heavily influenced by the messages and cues we receive from society and the people around us, including the way we are addressed based on our gender. Therefore, the way we interact with and label boys and girls can contribute to the development and reinforcement of gender stereotypes and roles.

When We Say to a Little Boy, "Hey There Tough