Research on adolescence indicates that for girls, early maturation is particularly difficult, while for boys, late maturation is especially hard. How would you explain this gender difference? Consider how your text's unifying theme that psychology evolves in a sociohistorical context might help to explain it

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers to this question should center on the fact that these differences arise from society's beliefs and expectations about what behaviors are appropriate for males and females.

Here's one course an answer to this question could take: boys are socialized toward achievement in the world of action. Physically mature boys appear to be more competent achievers, better able to meet society's expectations for males. Late-maturing boys may appear inept in this regard, which is threatening to their self-esteem. Girls, on the other hand, have traditionally been socialized to become wives and mothers—roles that are closely tied to their biological and sexual characteristics. In short, the traditional role of the female has been to be the source and preserver of the family. Marital and family relationships are therefore threatened by a woman's sexual involvement outside the bounds of marriage. The early-maturing girl, because she arouses sexual feelings in other males and because of her own developing sexual desires, is thus seen as a threat. She is viewed with suspicion and made to feel ashamed of her developing sexuality.