Final answer:
The scenario of a girl encouraged to care for an infant and a boy playing outside is an example of gender socialization, which teaches societal norms and roles based on gender through informal education.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of a seven-year-old girl being encouraged to care for her infant cousin, while her nine-year-old brother goes outside to play with friends, is an example of gender socialization. This is a term related to the process of teaching individuals the norms, behaviors, and roles expected of them by society according to their gender. In many cultures, females are often socialized to take on caregiving roles from a young age, while males may be encouraged to be more active or independent.
Understanding socialization is critical as it illuminates how individuals develop their identity and learn to navigate the social world. Because this example is related to a common social phenomenon where social norms and roles are learned informally within a family context, it can be seen as part of informal education. Brothers and sisters can also act as agents of socialization, particularly in situations where they look out for each other and provide guidance.