INTERGROUP PROCESSES IN CHILDHOOD - SOCIAL CATEGORIZATION AND SEX-ROLE DEVELOPMENT

When groups are created experimentally, in-group favoritism, stereotyping, exaggeration of between-groups differences and within-group similarities, and out-group homogenization occur among adults. This study explored whether the same phenomena influence children's perceptions of boys and girls. Ninety-six 8- to 10-year-olds viewed videotapes of unfamiliar children and rated them on possession of masculine, feminine, and gender-neutral evaluative traits, on similarity to self, and on liking. Children also were observed while interacting with classmates. Interactions occurred primarily. among children of the same sex. Targets were viewed stereotypically. They also were rated higher on liking, similarity, trait favorability (female targets only), and variability (male targets only) by children of the same sex. Furthermore, there were significant correlations among the rating measures, supporting an intergroup perspective on sex role development.