Final answer:
A) Myer had a stronger bond with boys his age due to shared interests.
Myer likely had a stronger bond with boys his age due to shared interests and the way boys are socialized for rule-focused environments, while girls are socialized for nurturing roles. This could have influenced his preference to associate with boys rather than girls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Myer's relationship with other boys his age was likely different from his relationship with girls his age for several reasons. According to previous studies, such as those by Sadker and Sadker (1994), teachers have historically praised male students more frequently and provided them with more opportunities for expression, which could have influenced Myer's social interactions.
Boys tend to have shared interests, and as theorized by Gilligan (1982; 1990), are socialized for environments where rules are important. Meanwhile, girls are often socialized for more nurturing roles, where flexibility is encouraged. This difference in socialization could lead to boys, including Myer, forming stronger bonds with each other rather than with girls.
In the given context, it seems plausible that Myer would have a stronger bond with boys due to shared interests and the way boys are permitted more freedom, as explained by Ready (2001), potentially making his relationships with girls of his age weaker because of different expectations and socialization practices.
Moreover, the scenario provided about Fay, a character who experienced loneliness and a lack of same-age peers, illustrates the difficulties that can arise when children are isolated or alienated from potential playmates, further influencing Myer's potential friendships with girls. The situation diverges from option A) Myer had a stronger bond with boys his age due to shared interests.