Posts Tagged ‘stereotypes’

Teaching Gender Stereotypes

Saturday, November 20th, 2010

I try hard to avoid gender stereotypes with my kids.  I know full well that my career over the last 30 years as a computer programmer was made possible by a woman.  I also know that one the most hardcore overland adventurers I know is a woman.  There seem to be a lot more male chefs on TV than women.  And my daughter continually amazes me with her Herculean strength, even as my son impresses me with his empathy.  And yet, it seems, children pick up on stereotypes as early as preschool even from the most innocent comments.  Yes, it turns out that even “Good morning, boys and girls” is enough to induce gender awareness in preschoolers.

(more…)