A short-term longitudinal study of preschoolers' (Homo sapiens) sex segregation: the role of physical activity, sex, and time.
The interactive influence of preschool children's level of physical activity, sex, and time on the degree of sex segregation was assessed. A sample of nursery school children was observed across much of a school year, and levels of physical activity and sex segregation were sampled during their free play periods. Following sexual selection theory, we predicted a Sex X Time X Physical Activity interaction on segregation such that high-activity girls early in the school year would interact with boys but, with time, the high-activity girls would be segregated among themselves. Boys (both high- and low-activity) should remain segregated across the year. The hypothesis was supported, and results are discussed in terms of the interactive role of biology and socialization on sex segregation.
Pellegrini
Anthony D
AD
Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. pelle013@umn.edu
Long
Jeffrey D
JD
Roseth
Cary J
CJ
Bohn
Catherine M
CM
Van Ryzin
Mark
M
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012951:Socialization