Ubiquity of sex differences in social and spatial development across socioeconomic strata: The role of sex-typed play experience

Abstract

Much research explores the causes of sex differences in spatial and social development and ways to reduce them. Among socialization theories, sex-typed toy play has been associated with the development of sex-typed abilities. Whereas research often assumed that sex differences are generalizable to the whole population, some studies showed that sex differences vary across nations. A recent finding also showed that sex differences in spatial abilities are present in children of middle and high, but not low, SES. These findings implicate the importance of macro-experiential factors – such as SES – in accounting for certain sex differences. Opportunities to engage in sex-typed activities such as sex-typed play may contribute to the sex differences. This talk will review research relevant to understanding the ubiquity of sex differences in spatial and social development and the importance of sex-typed play, as well as gaps in this line of research. Finally, this talk will introduce an ongoing study of Hong Kong preschoolers that aims to address these gaps.