Gender Schema Theory, proposed by Sandra Bem in 1981, provides a cognitive framework to understand how individuals internalize and process information related to gender. The theory explains that from an early age, children develop mental structures called schemas, which help them organize and interpret information. In the context of gender, these schemas serve as cognitive networks through which individuals learn cultural definitions of masculinity and femininity, guiding their behavior, perception, and self-concept. Gender schemas are formed through socialization, where parents, peers, media, and cultural institutions transmit norms, expectations, and stereotypes about what is considered appropriate for males and females. Once established, these schemas influence how individuals pay attention to, interpret, and remember information related to gender. According to Bem, gender schemas act as filters that shape how people process experiences. For instance, a child who has developed