Research using a model for studying same-sex friendships has indicated differences between men's and women's friendships consistent with traditional sex roles and socialization patterns. However, the differences are small and diminish as strength/duration of friendship increases. There is no evidence that women's friendships are inferior to those…

Examines gender differences in 4-year olds, observing, in 3 replications, 18 to 21 girls and 20 to 22 boys at home and school. Relations between individual characteristics and behavior, or between different aspects of behavior, differ in a number of ways between girls and boys. (SLD)

Results of a story-completion study with 47 white middle class preschoolers (23 males and 24 females) confirm the hypotheses that gender-stereotyped styles of social interaction are apparent as early as the preschool years, and use of gender-stereotypes behaviors is associated with the child's perceived competence and social support. (SLD)