Final answer:
Lillian Rubin and Nancy Chodorow did argue that traditional structures of parenting and cultural gender norms contribute to gender differences in intimacy, which is indeed true. They noted that boys and girls are socialized differently through the division of activities and expectations. This creates distinct relational styles linked to normative gender roles that persist into adulthood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The claim that Lillian Rubin and Nancy Chodorow argued that traditional structures of parenting and cultural gendered normative expectations together create gender differences in intimacy is true. Both Rubin and Chodorow recognize that distinct parenting roles and cultural gender norms contribute significantly to how gender differences manifest, especially in terms of intimacy and social relationships. They observed that even with a conscious effort towards gender equality, deep-rooted societal and familial structures continue to promote traditional gender roles. This differential treatment is evident in varied expectations for boys and girls, from the selection of toys to the division of household chores, which ultimately shape and reinforce gender-specific behaviors and skills.
For instance, boys may be socialized towards activities that require strength or toughness, whereas girls may be encouraged towards tasks that involve neatness or care. This binary division extends into adult life, influencing men and women's relational styles. Men, shaped by a working environment's need for rule conformity, are often socialized to prioritize justice and autonomy. In contrast, women, shaped by an expectation of roles centered around the home environment, are traditionally embedded in nurturing roles that foster flexibility and caring, lending themselves to a greater propensity for intimacy and relational harmony. With this in mind, Chodorow suggested that boys and girls are prepared for fundamentally different life paths based on the prevailing norms of masculinity and femininity which are instilled from childhood.