This theory has played a major role in our understanding of how gender expectations are socially and culturally constructed.
The theory continues to inform researchers as they investigate discrimination, stereotyping, marginalized populations, and mental health.
Freudian theories, she suggested, were too focused on the influence of anatomy on gender development.
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Through these observations, children form schema related to what men and women can and cannot do.
All of these influences add up to how gender schema is formed.
Researchers note that gender schemas are often prone to exaggerations and errors.
When taking the test, respondents are asked to rate how strongly they identify with each characteristic.
Individuals can rank high on one gender or low on another (sex-typed).
They can also rank high on both masculine and feminine traits (androgynous).
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