After reading the discussions on gender socialization, gender and coping and gender and aggression, assume the role of a professional trainer for child welfare workers. You are presenting on the intersection between gender roles and aggression in teen boys. Discuss what points you would highlight that reinforce aggression in boys and also discuss what prevention strategies can be used to challenge the gender differentiation of young boys and girls.

The gender based stigma that is placed on children from a young age has been proven to lead to later issues, particularly misogyny and aggression in men as well as timidity and self-esteem issues in women, though this is certainly not always the case.
With regards to aggression that is pervasive in teenage boys, there are many clear examples. For one, teenage boys are more prone to violent, angry outbursts when compared to girls. This violence and aggression seems to be a learned trait that comes from not having an alternative outlet for their emotions. It is common to hear young boys being told that boys don't cry or that they're not allowed to show emotions other than anger. This leads to aggressive tendencies, with violence being the only socially accepted, "masculine" outlet for emotion.
An additional example of teenage male aggression is the proclivity for violent hazing rituals in athletics. There are countless stories of violent abuse, sometimes even sexual in nature, among teenage males when incorporating younger boys into their team or organization. Clearly, there is a correlation between the physicality of these hazing rituals and the distinctly physical quality of boys' emotional development.
In order to prevent situations like this from arising, it is vital to stop many forms of gender differentiation at a young age. There can be benefits to socializing children according to their gender, but there are also clear benefits to cross-gender relationships and play at a young age. For instance, young boys and girls prove to have similar emotional responses if they have no external pressure on them. This should be encouraged—meaning boys should be allowed to express emotions other than anger.
In addition, stereotypical gender roles in child play should be encouraged to be more interchangeable. An activity such as playing house should include both genders (which promotes an interest in cooking, cleaning, working, and raising children), because those are vital lessons for everyone. Additionally, it encourages respect in both genders for those activities and promotes cooperation. Moreover, it presents other possibilities for developing interests that prescriptive gender-roles typically prohibit girls or boys from participating in.
In the end, the prevailing idea is that boys and girls need to be treated the same at a young age so that they grow up feeling equal and being able to express the same emotions as well as exhibit confidence. The idea that "boys will be boys" lends itself to the concept that boys can be reckless and get away with things. All children should be taught dignity and respect, and all children need appropriate outlets for their emotions. This will create more responsible and respectful adults while preventing aggression throughout adolescence.
At the same time, if boys and girls are encouraged to participate in fields that they have been traditionally restricted from, it will foster mutual respect for the capabilities of all genders in all capacities.