Describe the relationship between gender stereotypes and actual differences between boys and girls. Are any of these stereotypes accurate? Explain
What will be an ideal response?
There are several stereotypes noted by the textbook, and teachers will want to examine particular examples they emphasized in class as part of this answer. The text notes that stereotypes are picked up very early by children, even before they are verbal. There are, however, noted differences between boys and girls, as follows:
(a) Verbal abilities – Girls tend to have a larger vocabulary and excel at reading, writing, and spelling. Boys tend to have more language-related problems, such as stuttering.
(b) Mathematics – For years boys had an advantage on standardized tests, but these differences have dwindled as society has become more accepting and encouraging of girls in mathematics-related professions. In traditional societies, these advantages remain, but in societies that provide equal access to education and jobs in this area, the differences are minimal.
(c) Spatial ability – Males typically outperform females on such tasks, answering more accurately and in less time. These differences appear very early in life.
(d) Social influence – Girls comply more with the instructions of adults, and are more easily influenced by group pressure. It is important to note that these differences may reflect societal expectations rather than true characterological differences.
(e) Aggression – Boys are more physically aggressive, while girls resort more to relational aggression (trying to hurt others by damaging peer relationships). The excellent answer may use the recent trend in cyberbullying cases as an example of such aggression.
(f) Emotional sensitivity – Girls are more emotionally mature, expressing their own emotions and reading those of others with greater skill. Girls also demonstrate more accurate empathy than boys.
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