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Sex-role-taking and aggressive behavior in children.
The Journal of Genetic Psychology
|June 1, 1975
Summary
Children adopted male roles, showing more antisocial aggression, especially when interacting with other boys. This supports the idea that social roles influence aggressive behavior expression in children.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Child Psychology
Background:
- Sex differences in aggression are well-documented.
- The role of social learning and sex-role standards in shaping behavior is a key area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how adopting specific sex roles influences the expression of aggression in children.
- To examine if sex-role standards affect children's responses to aggression.
Main Methods:
- 40 children (9-10 years old) participated.
- Children adopted the roles of cartoon figures (boys or girls).
- They responded to aggressive statements attributed to cartoon figures of varying sex.
Main Results:
- Children adopting male roles displayed more antisocial aggression.
- Antisocial aggression responses were higher when boys interacted with boys.
- Findings support the role interpretation of sex differences in aggression.
Conclusions:
- Sex-role standards significantly impact aggression expression in children.
- Social roles, not just biological sex, play a crucial part in aggressive behavior.
- This study provides evidence for a role-based explanation of sex differences in aggression.