This book investigates the developmental processes through which children acquire gender roles and the subsequent impact of differential socialization on their behavioral patterns. Author Carole R. Beal utilizes a psychological framework to distinguish between anecdotal cultural assumptions and empirical research findings. The text serves as an academic resource for students and professionals, emphasizing a developmental perspective on how sex roles are formed during childhood.

Experts and educators frequently cite this text for its clear developmental focus and its utility in bridging the gap between academic research and practical application. Readers often note the accessible yet rigorous nature of the prose, making it a standard reference for those studying the intersection of psychology and gender socialization.