Final answer:
Homosocial play is non-romantic social interaction among same-gender peers and does not indicate sexual orientation.(option 1) It is part of normal development in children who often engage in such play before interacting with mixed-gender groups. The term was expanded by Sedgwick, illustrating gender-specific social norms and expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Homosocial play refers to same-gender socializing that is not romantic or sexual in nature. It does not necessarily indicate a person's sexual orientation. Instead, it's a normal part of children's development where they form friendships and social bonds with peers of the same sex. Children often engage in homosocial play and as they grow older, they start to interact more within mixed-gender groups. Eagerness for social acceptance and friendship can be seen in activities such as joining sports teams, or participating in scouts or other formal peer groups.
The term homosocial was expanded upon by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick to describe nonsexual same-sex relations, which contrasts with the term 'homosexual'. Sedgwick pointed out the social norms especially prevalent in U.S. culture where females may exhibit more homosocial fluidity in their expressions compared to males, who are often restrained by heteronormative expectations. Homosocial behaviors are a critical aspect of childhood development, and they are molded by society's norms and expectations, including the heteronormative pressures that may impact children from a young age.