Final answer:
Henry displaying a more favorable attitude towards boys than girls in a baking contest is an example of gender bias which reflects societal patterns of preferential treatment towards a particular gender, commonly resulting in gender discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Henry is asked to judge the baking contest and evaluates the boys more positively than the girls, this is an example of gender bias. Gender bias refers to the preferential treatment or more favorable attitude towards individuals of a specific gender, based on stereotypes rather than actual abilities or qualities. In this scenario, Henry's actions reflect an unconscious or conscious prejudice that often leads to unequal opportunities and is a part of larger societal patterns where males have historically been given more positive attention and encouragement than females, as highlighted in studies by researchers such as Sadker and Sadker (1994) and Thorne (1993).
Such patterns can be found in various areas, including but not limited to educational settings, where boys are often given more opportunities to speak out and are interrupted less, illustrating a form of gender discrimination. Female students, on the other hand, often face more interruptions and less encouragement, which can affect their self-image and academic performance negatively, as described by Ready (2001).