Ms. Sylvia asks her student melissa why she is not playing with the other students. Melissa tells her that she forgot to bring her doll and only "boy's toys" like blocks and cars are left to play with. What is melissa exhibiting

Melissa is exhibiting Gender stereotyping.

Gender stereotypes refer to preconceived ideas according to which women and men are assigned arbitrary characteristics and roles determined and limited by their gender. This ideas can limit the development of natural talents and abilities of girls and boys, women and men, as well as their educational and professional experiences and life opportunities in general. Stereotypes about women are the result and are the cause of deeply rooted attitudes, values, norms and prejudices against women. They are used to justify and maintain the historical power relations of men over women, as well as the sexist attitudes that impede the advancement of women.