Final answer:
Boys are typically given more independence and fewer domestic responsibilities than girls, which affects how they spend time away from family. Girls are expected to be more nurturing and take on more household tasks, shaping their use of free time. Gender roles, reinforced by both family and educational settings, have deep-rooted impacts on the activities boys and girls engage in and their behavioral development.
Step-by-step explanation:
When examining the gender differences in how boys and girls spend their time away from family, it is evident that societal norms and expectations play a significant role. Boys, for instance, are often granted more autonomy and independence at a younger age, resulting in fewer restrictions on clothing, dating habits, or curfews. They are generally exempt from performing domestic chores, which are traditionally seen as feminine tasks such as cleaning or cooking. Conversely, girls are socialized to be more passive and nurturing, undertaking a bulk of domestic responsibilities and conforming to more restrictive behavioral standards. Fathers, in particular, have stronger gender conformity expectations, often assigning tasks based on traditional notions of strength or toughness for boys and neatness or care for girls. This extends into playtime where boys are given toys that encourage independence and physical skills, while girls are encouraged to engage in role-play and nurturing activities. Parental reinforcement of gender norms can influence the level of aggression displayed by children, with boys who partake in more traditionally feminine tasks showing less aggressive behavior.