Cross-gender behaviour is seen as less acceptable in boys than it is in girls: unlike the term ‘tomboy’ there is nothing positive implied by its male counterpart, the ‘sissy’.21 Parents were aware of the backlash they might, or indeed had, received from others when they allowed their children to deviate from gender norms.
I hadn't considered this previously, but it's a really good point. We are starting to see the inklings of what Fine calls 'sissies' in popular culture, at least in terms of dress and hair style and makeup, but it's not widespread at all.
A couple of positive signs can be found in TV shows like Steven Universe, where the main character's 'weapon' is a shield and his superpower is arguably radical empathy; and (bear with me) The Flash, who, yes, can run very fast, but is usually more skilful at trying to make sure all his friends feel good.
