When children play alone, gender differences in behavior are minimal. When in their same-gender group, gender differences are large and striking. From this finding, we can infer that ______.
A) there is less pressure to conform to gender role norms in same-gender groups
B) peers are the most important gender socializing influence in childhood
C) gender differences in behavior are emphasized regardless of the environment
D) context is important in shaping gender differences in behavior

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The finding that gender differences in behavior are minimal when children play alone suggests that context is important in shaping gender differences. This implies that gender differences in behavior are not inherent or natural, but rather are influenced by environmental factors such as socialization and peer pressure. The fact that gender differences are more pronounced in same-gender groups suggests that peers are a significant gender socializing influence in childhood. However, this does not necessarily mean that there is less pressure to conform to gender role norms in same-gender groups, as the question implies.

When Children Play Alone, Gender Differences in Behavior Are Minimal