Final answer:
To explain gender differences in delinquency, gender-specific theories often focus on the patriarchy system, which perpetuates gender inequality and influences the differential treatment of girls and boys in society, including educational settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the ways to apply more gender-specific theories to explain gender differences in delinquency focuses on the patriarchy system that devalues girls and overlooks much of the oppression that girls experience. This form of systemic inequality is seen in various aspects of society, including educational settings. Even from a young age, schools play a role in reinforcing gender stereotypes and expectations, which can contribute to different treatment and socialization of girls and boys. Discriminatory practices such as praising male students more or offering them more opportunities to speak, while enforcing stricter rule adherence to girls, signal a disparity rooted in patriarchal values. The consequence is not only a stratified classroom experience but also a potential normalization of unequal treatment that can extend into other areas of life, fostering institutional discrimination.
An important backdrop to these observations is the understanding that gender roles and the enforcement of the gender binary are deeply rooted in society's social structures. Socialization through family, education, peer groups, and mass media all contribute to a child's understanding and enactment of gender roles, often reinforcing traditional male dominance and the devaluation of feminine attributes. The existence and challenges of patriarchy remain contested, yet significant evidence points to its ongoing impact on women's lives, including the shaping of expectations and opportunities in educational and professional contexts.