Children's behaviour is largely instinctive. Young males try to improve their position amongst their peers by physical dominance - whether through sport, fighting, or other acts of physical prowess. Young women try to improve their position through acts of communication - often, though not always, by verbally savaging their rivals.
Behavioural patterns amongst the two sexes are dissimilar, but the intent is the same - to create for themselves a strong position amongst their peers by proving the strength of their own abilities in the area most respected by their peers.
