Abstract
Few experimental studies investigate the mechanisms by which young children develop sex-typed activity preferences. Gender self-labeling followed by selective imitation of same-sex models currently is considered a primary socialization mechanism. Research with prenatally androgenized girls and non-human primates also suggests an innate male preference for activities that involve propulsive movement. Here we show that before children can label themselves by gender, 6- to 9-month-old male infants are more likely than female infants to imitate propulsive movements. Further, male infants’ increase in propulsive movement was linearly related to proportion of time viewing a male model’s propulsive movements. We propose that male sex-typed behavior develops from socialization mechanisms that build on a male predisposition to imitate propulsive motion.
Highlights
How humans develop sex-typed activity preferences and interests generates much controversy
Cross-culturally, sex differences in activities and interests emerge around 18 months (Gosso, Otta, Morais, Ribeiro, & Bussab, 2005; Huston, 1986; Ruble, Martin, & Berenbaum, 2006) and continue throughout life (Wood & Eagly, 2002)
Beginning in the second year, boys exhibit greater interest than girls in transportation vehicles, weapons, tools, and rough-and-tumble play, whereas girls prefer dolls and objects associated with domestic activities (Huston, 1986; Ruble, et al, 2006)
Summary
How humans develop sex-typed activity preferences and interests generates much controversy. A repeated measures ANOVA on mean proportion of time looking at hitting (versus cradling) by the female and male adult with infants’ sex as the independent variable yielded no significant effects, all Fs
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