Final answer:
Jethro's statement is not directly provided; however, the reference materials show that he may hold traditional gender stereotypes. Educational and social biases, along with minimal scientifically supported cognitive differences between genders, contribute to the stereotypes that girls face.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt describing Jethro's views on the differences between girls and boys does not provide any direct quotes that match the options given in the multiple-choice question (smarter, stronger, wiser, or softer). Instead, Jethro seems to express a traditional viewpoint, suggesting a belief that women have a different role in society compared to men, often stereotyped as being more emotional and supposedly not suited for the same political or rigorous tasks typically associated with men. The reference materials provided offer insights into various social biases and gender stereotypes that exist, emphasizing the way females and males are treated differently in educational and other social settings, even from a very young age.
Some key points highlighted in the reference materials include findings from studies by Sadker and Sadker (1994) and Thorne (1993), which discuss the disparities in how teachers respond to male and female students, often to the detriment of girls. Furthermore, Fausto-Sterling (1992) reviews research showing minimal statistically significant cognitive differences between boys and girls, indicating that gender-based educational and professional expectations are unfounded. The provided materials also highlight a common gender stereotype, as mentioned in a multiple-choice example, where women are seen as 'overly emotional' compared to men.