Final answer:
Ezra and Arlette's beliefs that their own gender is superior exemplify ingroup bias, which is rooted in socialization and reinforced by societal gender roles and stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The beliefs held by six-year-old Ezra and five-year-old Arlette, who think boys and girls are better than each other respectively, illustrate an example of ingroup bias. Ingroup bias is the tendency for people to favor their own group over others, in this case, based on gender. This behavior is a part of the socialization process, where children learn and internalize societal values, beliefs, and attitudes regarding gender roles. Such stereotypes may lead to overgeneralizations about the behaviors, attitudes, and traits associated with each gender, often resulting in sexism.
Societal expectations and gender roles are reinforced from an early age, influencing how children perceive themselves and others. Through socialization by family, peers, education, and media, children become aware of the gender roles they are expected to fulfill. Addressing ingroup bias and overcoming gender stereotypes is important for fostering a more understanding and equitable society where both boys and girls can flourish without being confined to prescribed roles.