Final answer:
Children tend to focus on in-group schemas and avoid out-group behaviors, leading to same-sex conformity. This is driven by in-group bias and peer pressure to align with gender norms and gain approval from peers. Option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question addresses how children tend to focus on in-group schemas and avoid behaviors that belong to out-group schemas, which lead to a preference for same-sex conformity. This concept relates to the broader ideas of social psychology, particularly in-group bias and group dynamics. In-group bias is a preference for one's own group over other groups, which can result in prejudice and discrimination because the out-group is perceived as different and is less preferred than the in-group.
Moreover, peer pressure also reinforces gender roles by criticizing those who behave outside of their assigned roles. Conformity is adapting behaviors to align with group norms, and children might do this to maintain their standing within their gender in-group and seek approval from peers. Children tend to focus on in-group schemas and avoid behaviors that belong to out-group schemas, leading to a preference for same-sex conformity. This means that children conform to the behaviors and norms of their in-group, which consists of people who they identify with or see themselves as belonging to.