Question

Although women conform only slightly more than men, Alice Eagly and Wendy Wood believe that gender differences in conformity are a product of:

a. women being more socially sensitive and empathic
b. men having a higher need for achievement
c. the social roles men and women have typically occupied
d. women having a higher need for social approval

Answer 1

Gender differences in conformity, according to Eagly and Wood, are mainly due to the social roles that men and women traditionally occupy, influencing behaviors from childhood into adulthood.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alice Eagly and Wendy Wood attribute gender differences in conformity to c. the social roles men and women have typically occupied. This perspective suggests that the tendencies for women to conform are linked more to social norms and expectations rather than individual personality traits such as empathy, the need for achievement, or the need for social approval.

Societal roles greatly influence behavior, with occupational sorting presenting a clear example: men are more present in fields like law enforcement and politics, while women are more prevalent in childcare and healthcare. These roles are deeply ingrained in societal norms and shape behavior. The expectation to conform to gender roles is often established in childhood, as parents may unknowingly guide boys and girls towards activities that align with traditional gender stereotypes. This form of gender socialization continues into adulthood, permeating professional environments and influencing conformity behaviors.