Final answer:
Boys are challenged by societal pressure to conform to tough masculine norms, which includes limited emotional expression and specific expectations from peers and parents, potentially affecting their long-term development and social relationships.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boys face a variety of challenges due to gender expectations, which can include societal pressure to be tough, limited emotional expression, and specific academic expectations. Peers often reinforce gender roles, which can marginalize those who do not conform. Moreover, research has shown that parental expectations, especially from fathers, can be stricter for boys regarding gender conformity, influencing their behavior in diverse areas like play, discipline, chores, and personal achievements. This conformity to masculine norms can have long-term effects on a boy's emotional development and social interactions.