Assertion (A): During adolescence the pressures to conform to gender expectations and follow conventions of feminity or masculinity increases.

Reason (R) : Gender and gender roles are determined biologically.

Choose the correct option.

Question

Assertion (A): During adolescence the pressures to conform to gender expectations and follow conventions of feminity or masculinity increases.

Reason (R) : Gender and gender roles are determined biologically.

Choose the correct option.

Accepted Answer

Option 3 is the correct answer, which states that Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false. Let's break down why this is the case:

1. **Explanation of Assertion (A):** 
   - During adolescence, individuals experience significant social and psychological changes. This period is marked by an increased awareness of societal norms and expectations, including those related to gender. Adolescents often feel pressure to conform to traditional gender roles and expectations of femininity or masculinity. This pressure can come from peers, family, media, and cultural norms. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true because it accurately describes the social dynamics that adolescents face regarding gender expectations.

2. **Explanation of Reason (R):**
   - Reason (R) claims that gender and gender roles are determined biologically. This statement is false. While biological factors such as chromosomes and hormones play a role in determining an individual's sex, gender and gender roles are largely social constructs. They are shaped by cultural, social, and environmental influences rather than being strictly biologically determined. Gender roles vary significantly across different cultures and historical periods, indicating that they are not fixed by biology.

3. **Why Option 3 is Correct:**
   - Option 3 correctly identifies that Assertion (A) is true because adolescents do face increased pressure to conform to gender expectations. However, Reason (R) is false because it inaccurately attributes the determination of gender roles to biology, ignoring the significant influence of social and cultural factors.

4. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:**
   - **Option 1:** This option is incorrect because it claims that both (A) and (R) are true and that (R) is the correct explanation of (A). While (A) is true, (R) is false, so (R) cannot be the correct explanation of (A).
   - **Option 2:** This option is incorrect because it states that both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). As established, (R) is false, so this option cannot be correct.
   - **Option 4:** This option is incorrect because it claims that both (A) and (R) are false. As explained, (A) is true, so this option does not accurately reflect the validity of the statements.

In conclusion, Option 3 is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the truth of Assertion (A) and the falsity of Reason (R).