Final answer:
Children's conceptions of the attributes associated with maleness or femaleness are known as gender roles, which are primarily learned through socialization and societal expectations reflected in play and reinforced by stereotypes and peer reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Children develop their own conceptions of the attributes associated with maleness or femaleness, which are known as gender roles. These roles are learned through socialization, where societal values, beliefs, and attitudes dictate expected behaviors. By the ages of two or three, children are already aware of these gender roles, and by four or five, they tend to adhere strictly to these norms, reflecting the cultural expectations for their sex.
For instance, society may stereotype riding a motorcycle as masculine, influencing children to associate the activity with maleness. Similarly, playtime activities, where boys and girls are encouraged to play with gender-specific toys like trucks or dolls, further reinforce these roles. Challenges to gender norms can result in negative repercussions, such as teasing or marginalization amongst peers.