When we say to a little boy "Look how strong you are," and we say to a little girl "Your dress is so pretty," 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 posits that our gender roles and identity are shaped through the acquisition and reinforcement of gender schemas, or cognitive frameworks that help us organize and interpret information related to gender. This includes the categories we have for masculinity and femininity, which are often socially constructed and reinforced through interactions and messages from our environment, such as the example of praising a boy for his strength and a girl for her appearance. Social learning theory also plays a role in gender role development, but focuses more on the influence of reinforcement and punishment on behavior. Evolutionary theory emphasizes the biological and evolutionary factors that may contribute to some gender differences. Feminist theory is a broader perspective that seeks to challenge and critique traditional gender roles and power imbalances in society.

When We Say to a Little Boy "Look How Strong