If resources are available, children of single-parent families attain standard levels. Divorce affects children negatively, especially younger children, particularly if conflict is present, and contact with one parent is denied. Besides being physically male or female, we are socially masculine or feminine, with gender roles, influenced by expectations and stereotypes. Children are aware of gender expectations by age 2. 17. Berk surveyed evidence on gender differences and found girls slightly more verbal than boys, and slightly better with emotional expression.
Boys are slightly better at spatial skills, are more risk taking and more aggressive.
Hormones affect brain regions selectively. Boy and girl children also play differently with identical objects. By 3, they reinforce other children's gender-apt play. 21.Rest argues we entertain more complex ethical reasons with age. Gilligan argued women emphasize the people involved and men the ethical principles.