Research Paper on:
Girls v. Boys and Different Socialization Expectations in an Academic Setting

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
The educational environment is characterized as much by the socialization which occurs there as it is by the learning which is instilled. While  most aspects of this socialization are positive, other aspects have proven to be a negative impact on our ability to move beyond the educational environment and to take on roles  as responsible and functional adults. One of these latter aspects of socialization can be characterized the differential expectations which are in place in the educational arena for boys verses  girls. While boys are sometimes encouraged to excel in certain areas girls are allowed to just get by or not even participate. This is particularly true in regard  to some aspects of the sciences and mathematics. These differing expectations, expectations based solely around gender reflect themselves when a child matures and decides upon which occupation they would  like to pursue. Consequently, many of our occupations are disproportionately filled with males verses females. There are, of course, certain differences between  girls and boys which need recognition in the educational arena. Maltz and Borker (1982) identify significant differences in interactional patterns between male and female children. They contend that  these differences are the result of differences in socialization. Observation of children at play would support their observations. Male children have a greater tendency to participate in competitive  type sports such as baseball and football. Female children on the other hand prefer in most instances to play quietly and engage in a greater verbal exchange with one  another. Girls are more likely to touch one another, to hug and even to kiss as an expression of their friendship. Boys on the other hand seldom are