ABSTRACT
Many parents enroll their children in organized activities or encourage participation in individual activities because they believe that such involvement is good for them or builds confidence. In addition, parents may select specific activities based on their perceptions of what is appropriate for girls or boys. For example, they are more likely to enroll their daughters in art or ballet and to enroll their sons in Little League. Beyond anecdotal evidence shared between parents, does participation in organized activities have an impact on children’s attitudes or self-beliefs? Do the kinds of activities or the amount of participation matter? Finally, how is participation in gender-differentiated activities related to later attitudes and beliefs?
