Which theory suggests differences in socialization between boys and girls?

Functionalist sex role theory posits that boys and girls are socialized differently, which shapes their behaviors, roles, and expectations in society. This theory suggests that from a young age, boys and girls are encouraged to adopt distinct behaviors and attributes that align with societal norms associated with their gender. For instance, boys may be encouraged to be assertive and competitive, while girls are often socialized to be nurturing and cooperative.

This theory encompasses the idea that these differing socialization processes create a foundation for the expectation of specific roles within the family and broader society. As a result, boys are often prepared for roles that emphasize dominance and leadership, whereas girls are typically groomed for supportive and caretaker roles. This differentiation in socialization is significant as it can lead to variations in academic and career aspirations, ultimately impacting patterns of behavior that can relate to crime and deviance.

Other theories, such as patriarchal control theory, conflict theory, and labelling theory, focus on different aspects of societal structure and power dynamics, but they do not explicitly address the differences in socialization processes between genders to the same extent as functionalist sex role theory does.