Question

When his son cries because another child has taken his favorite toy, Brandon admonishes him by saying, "Big boys don't cry." Evidently, Brandon is an advocate of ________ in accounting for the development of gender-linked behaviors.

Answer 1

Brandon is advocating for gender socialization, where children are taught to conform to societal gender norms, such as the idea that boys should not show emotion by crying, reinforcing traditional masculine behavior patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

When Brandon tells his son that "Big boys don't cry," he is advocating for socialization as the means by which gender-linked behaviors are learned and reinforced. Gender socialization is the process through which children are taught to behave in ways that conform to gender norms. Boys are often encouraged to engage in behaviors that are considered masculine, such as being tough and showing restraint in expressing emotions, as exemplified by Brandon's response to his son. This gendered expectation aligns with the broader societal 'script' for masculinity, which includes acceptance of aggression as a natural male trait. This socialization begins early, often through the types of toys given to children, the activities they are encouraged to participate in, and the way they are disciplined, all of which contribute to establishing a sense of gender identity that aligns with cultural expectations.