“Stereotypes and sexism limit potential growth and
development because internalizing negative stereotypes impacts self-esteem and
ultimately, academic performance” (Aina & Cameron, 2011, p.12)
Experts (e.g., Aina & Cameron, 2011; Martin & Ruble,
2004) maintain that by kindergarten, children are highly aware of the gender
stereotypes that pervade society, and early childhood teachers play an
important role in counteracting the negative impact of such stereotypes. Many
of these stereotypes are evidenced in popular children’s literature, which have
a “tremendous influence on young children” (Aina & Cameron, 2011, p.14).
Classic fairytales (e.g., Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White etc.), for
example, often suggest girls should dress in frills, display competence in keeping
house and demonstrate kindness above all else. Dominant male stereotypes found
in classic tales (e.g., Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin, The Three Little Pigs)
suggest boys be brave, cunning and physically strong.
To combat gender stereotypes that can negatively impact
students’ developing sense of self, school and classroom relationships, learning
motivation and even academic achievement, teachers can integrate nonsexist
books into lessons and encourage discussion around them. Nonsexist books have
been found to be associated with “positive changes in self-concept, attitudes,
and behavior” (Aina & Cameron, 2011, p.16).
One of my absolute favorite picture books (appropriate for younger children) that disrupts several dominant gender stereotypes is Made by Raffi, by Craig Pomranz. In this book, Raffi feels different at school because he doesn’t enjoy rough play or noise. Upon hanging out with his teacher during recess, he discovers his love for knitting and sewing, and although he continues to get teased for a period of time, the other children eventually come to better understand and respect Raffi and his talent. By the end of the story, Raffi has created quite a name for himself and all of the students want one of his designs.
One of my absolute favorite picture books (appropriate for younger children) that disrupts several dominant gender stereotypes is Made by Raffi, by Craig Pomranz. In this book, Raffi feels different at school because he doesn’t enjoy rough play or noise. Upon hanging out with his teacher during recess, he discovers his love for knitting and sewing, and although he continues to get teased for a period of time, the other children eventually come to better understand and respect Raffi and his talent. By the end of the story, Raffi has created quite a name for himself and all of the students want one of his designs.
Acknowledging that busy educators and parents have limited
time to seek out books that challenge gender stereotypes, the list below offers
several websites that include titles, age recommendations and synopses of books
committed to this cause.
- https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/34011.Children_s_Books_that_Break_Gender_Stereotypes
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/yes-you-can-childrens-book-busting-gender-stereotypes_us_58ff5ff6e4b0288f5dc8187f
- https://www.monash.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/our-services/violence-against-women/children-books-promoting-gender-equality-challenging-gender-stereoypes-booklist.pdf
- https://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200303/Books4Children.pdf
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/em-and-lo/the-21-best-transgender-b_b_9702762.html
Aina, O. E. & Cameron, P. A. (2011). Why does gender
matter? Counteracting stereotypes with young children. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 39(3), 11-20.
Martin, C., & Ruble, D. (2004). Children’s search for
gender cues: Cognitive perspectives on gender development. Current Directions
in Psychological Science, 13(2), 67-70.
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