Sex Differences in the Games Children Play

The world of play and games has been relegated to a minor position in the study of childhood socialization. This study accords a more important role in the socialization process to the games children play. It asks: are there sex differences in the organization of children's playtime activities? A large body of new empirical data on the leisure patterns of fifth-grade schoolchildren suggests six important differences. After describing these differences, the author speculates on their possible consequences. It is suggested that play and games contribute to the preservation of traditional sex-role divisions in society by equipping boys with the social skills needed for occupational careers while equipping girls with the social skills better suited for family careers.