Why Do Some Children Show More Sex-Typical Behaviour Than Others?
As children develop, they become more conscious that the social world consists of males and females, that they belonging to one of these categories, and there are expectations of masculine and feminine behaviour. Although most children generally accept same-sex behaviour and reject opposite-sex behaviour, the amount of sex-typical behaviour varies from children to children. There are many factors that account for such variation, and debate is concerned with the extent to which sex-typical behaviour is a product of either nature (i.e. inherited) or nurture (i.e. acquired). This essay shall focus on examining three factors that account for more sex-typical behaviour in some children than others. Firstly, the contribution of the early hormone environment to gender-related behaviour. Secondly, the role of others such as parents, teachers, and stranger in increasing or decreasing such behaviour. Thirdly, the children’s own beliefs about sex appropriateness and inappropriateness. I seek to demonstrate that gender differentiation in terms of sex-typical behaviour is a complex interplay of inheritance and acquirement, and their relative importance varies according to environments.
Studies regarding childhood play behaviour with respect to toy choices, the sex of preferred play partners, and social play have shown that behavioural sex differences appear early in life (Hines, 2004, p. 17). By the first year, children prefer different toys, and these sex differences persist through childhood (Hines, 2004, p. 109). In general, boys tend to choose toys like cars, trucks, and guns, whereas girls prefer toys like dolls and tea sets (Berenbaum and Hines, 1992). For both boys and girls, about 80-90% of playmates are children of their own sex (Maccoby, 1988). Boys also spend more time than girls do in rough-and-tumble play, including play fighting and wrestling (Maccoby, 1988). However, the extent to which the behavioural sex differences differs among children, and we shall now
Studies regarding childhood play behaviour with respect to toy choices, the sex of preferred play partners, and social play have shown that behavioural sex differences appear early in life (Hines, 2004, p. 17). By the first year, children prefer different toys, and these sex differences persist through childhood (Hines, 2004, p. 109). In general, boys tend to choose toys like cars, trucks, and guns, whereas girls prefer toys like dolls and tea sets (Berenbaum and Hines, 1992). For both boys and girls, about 80-90% of playmates are children of their own sex (Maccoby, 1988). Boys also spend more time than girls do in rough-and-tumble play, including play fighting and wrestling (Maccoby, 1988). However, the extent to which the behavioural sex differences differs among children, and we shall now
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