Final answer:
The boys' world reflects the adults' in terms of gender socialization, where boys are expected to adhere to societal norms of masculinity, such as showing aggression, while girls face expectations focusing on appearance and are often subtly taught to perceive themselves as less capable than boys.
Step-by-step explanation:
The world of the boys can often mirror the world of the adults in several aspects, primarily through the lens of gender socialization and cultural norms.
Parents may treat sons and daughters differently, thereby setting distinct expectations based on gender roles. Boys, receiving messages through societal norms and parental cues, might be encouraged to be aggressive and independent. As the phrase "boys will be boys" suggests, certain behaviors are accepted and even expected from them.
On the other hand, girls often receive messages focusing on appearance and comportment. This leads to socializing them into believing their value is closely tied to how they look, leading to concerns about body image even at a young age. Girls also face academic and social biases which suggest they are less capable or important than boys, a perception subtly conveyed even in educational settings.
Children's play and the expectations around it further reinforce societal scripts. Boys and girls are exposed to toys and activities that tend to promote traditional gender roles, which can shape their behaviors and interests into adulthood.
Overall, the experiences of boys as they grow up are characterized by learning what society expects of them through a culturally prescribed script, much like workers being socialized within a workplace setting.