Explain how peers serve as a source of gender socialization.

Peers serve as a source of gender socialization in several ways. First, peer groups often reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes through their interactions and expectations. For example, boys may be encouraged to engage in rough play and assert dominance, while girls may be encouraged to be nurturing and passive. These expectations can shape how individuals understand and perform their gender identity.

Additionally, peers can also provide models for gendered behavior. Children and adolescents may observe how their peers of the same gender behave and adopt similar attitudes and actions. This can include everything from clothing choices to interests and hobbies, further reinforcing gender norms within the peer group.

Furthermore, peer groups can also influence attitudes and beliefs about gender through socialization processes such as peer pressure and conformity. Individuals may feel pressure to conform to their peer group's expectations of gendered behavior in order to be accepted and included.

Overall, peers play a significant role in shaping individuals' understanding of gender and their own gender identity through reinforcement of traditional gender roles, providing models for gendered behavior, and exerting social pressure to conform to gender norms within the peer group.