Question

What else supported Erikson's view of gender differences? a) Adolescent boys were universally more focused on marriage b) Adolescent girls tended to have more problems than adolescent boys with identity development as girls focussed on the changes marriage would bring about. c) Gender differences were irrelevant in identity development d) There were no gender-related issues in identity development

Answer 1

Erickson's theory and subsequent research, including Gilligan's theory of moral development, suggest that gender roles influenced by societal expectations do impact adolescent identity development differently for boys and girls.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Erickson's perspective on adolescent development, gender differences do influence the process of identity formation. Girls, as proposed by Carol Gilligan's theories, tend to have a care and responsibility perspective that considers the reasons behind behaviors, whereas boys more commonly employ a justice perspective, focusing on rules and laws. This suggests that girls might experience identity development differently due to their focus on relational elements, potentially anticipating the changes that marriage would bring about, thus supporting the notion that gender differences are relevant in identity development.

Moreover, societal expectations, as reflected in the different ways teachers interact with male and female students, reinforce gender roles that can influence adolescent behavior and self-perception. This can further distinguish the identity formation experiences of boys and girls during adolescence.