Distinguish between the cultural and biological factors that lead to differences in the behavior or ability of males versus females, and give one example of a cultural factor and one example of a biological factor.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are several behavioral/ability differences between males and females, and they are as follows: (a) Physical performance is typically better in boys due to hormonal differences that result in increased muscle mass and energy levels for boys (biological). (b) Math and science skills are typically better in boys (assumed to be due to cultural influences-like parental expectations). (c) Verbal skills are typically better in girls than in boys, although this difference is arguable. (d) Girls have performed substantially better than boys in grades 4 and 8 in writing skills, and relationship-oriented communication is better in girls (assumed to be cultural because of the differences in the structure of playgroups for boys and girls). (e) Boys are more aggressive than girls (assumed to be both biological-hormonal-and cultural-expectations, adult and peer models, and rewards). (f) Females are better able to self-regulate their emotions than are males (no attribution offered).
Pages: 166-168.