![](/media/n4faeh3c/4008537390827e77d36cf74cf11e0e98.gif?width=1002&height=668&bgcolor=White&v=1da4dae3231e570)
There is no denying that boys and girls are different, but why? In trying to explain sex differences, the pendulum swings regularly from nature to nurture. Are the differences inborn, or do they arise predominantly from environmental influences?
Behavioural differences between girls and boys are apparent from early infancy, and the subject has been studied extensively over the years. But in recent years, the focus was mainly on identifying the effects of socialisation, parenting practices and physical differences between the sexes. Clearly such factors do influence how children develop, and are also responsible for some of the characteristics that mark out each sex. However, new evidence also points to influences from pre-natal exposure to hormones on later sex-typed choices and gender-differentiated motor skills. Here, we review this research with the aim of challenging some of the traditional explanations of why girls and boys develop differently.
Register now to continue reading
Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Unlimited access to news and opinion
-
Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news
Already have an account? Sign in here