Final answer:
The question relates to the role of sports in reinforcing gender roles and expectations for boys to be athletic. Sports serve as a form of performance that can impact various aspects of personal development, including physical, academic, and social skills, influenced heavily by parental involvement and cultural norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Research shows that boys and men who play parent performance sports learn that they will be c) Athletic. Parental involvement and encouragement in sports are often seen in relation to gender roles, where fathers are typically more engaged when their sons participate in sports. This engagement can stem from societal notions of masculinity and the expectation that males should be athletic and competitive.
Sports are a form of performance as they involve public displays of skill, competition, and physical prowess. For young people, participating in sports can have various impacts on personal development. It can improve physical health, teamwork, discipline, and self-esteem, as well as potentially enhance spatial abilities. Additionally, sports experience can lead to improved academic performance, as the discipline and focus required for sports can translate into better study habits.
Furthermore, the emphasis on gender-appropriate activities and the opportunities provided can influence the careers and opportunities available to individuals later in life, thereby impacting the gender pay gap. The involvement in sports, particularly for boys, underpins an expectation of athletic skills, which can be linked to broader societal and cultural influences rather than inherent biological differences.