Final answer:
Gender schema theory posits that children's gender schemas evolve as their social identities solidify, which is deeply influenced by gender socialization through family, education, peer groups, and media.
Step-by-step explanation:
Martin and Halverson argue that gender schema undergo a change as children's general social identity solidifies. Gender schemas are cognitive structures that allow individuals to process and organize information based on gender-related attributes.
Children become aware of gender roles in their first few years, and as they grow, their experiences continually interact with their developing social identities, which are shaped through socialization via family, education, peer groups, and mass media.
Gender socialization is deeply entrenched with societal expectations, where boys and girls are expected to adhere to culturally prescribed roles.
These expectations can impact children's perception of gender-appropriate behavior and are reinforced through various means such as parental feedback, educational materials, and peer interactions. As children's social identities become more defined, their gender schemas evolve to incorporate these complex social cues and norms.