Final answer:
Children play active roles in developing their gender identities through the socialization process, where they learn and internalize societal gender roles. Play and the feedback they receive from adults and peers guide them, potentially reinforcing or challenging existing gender norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
What assumes that children play active roles in developing their gender identities? This question is rooted in the understanding of how socialization influences gender roles and the active participation of children in shaping their own gender identities.
Children learn gender roles through various forms of socialization, which includes the toys they play with and the feedback they receive from adults. As they mimic the actions of significant others, they become agents of gender norms, either conforming to or challenging societal expectations. Children are aware of gender roles by age two or three, and by four or five, they commonly exhibit behaviors that align with culturally appropriate gender roles. When children do not conform to expected gender norms, they might face negative repercussions such as criticism or marginalization from peers.
How children learn and apply gender roles is central to their developmental journey, with playtime choices heavily influenced by societal values, beliefs, and attitudes. Peers can support or penalize deviations from these norms, creating a complex dynamic where children navigate their identities amid external pressures and personal preferences.