Canalisation describes the learning of gender roles in socialisation, such as girls directed toward marriage and boys toward breadwinning.

• A. It describes equal opportunities for all genders.
• B. It describes gender roles formed primarily by genetics.
• C. It describes gender role development during school years only.
• D. It describes learning gender roles in socialisation, with girls directed toward marriage and boys toward breadwinning.

Answer: (D)

Canalisation is the process by which children's development is directed by parents and others in ways that push them into gender-typed paths. In practice, this means girls are guided toward roles associated with marriage and domestic life, while boys are guided toward breadwinning and public roles. This shows how gender roles are learned through socialisation, shaping interests, behaviours, and aspirations from a very young age rather than being determined by biology or limited to schooling. The idea is about social steering into different paths, not about equal opportunities, genetics, or schooling alone.