Modification of Children’s gender-stereotyped Behavior
In recent years, questions about the appropriateness and adaption of traditional gender role socialization have increased because the merits of gender role flexibility have become more distinct. Several types of research have been conducted about modifying the gender role stereotypes in children.
Many steps have been identified to be at least somewhat effective in altering the stereotyped behavior of children. These steps include counter television programming, peer presence, teacher structuring, and reinforcement, adult and peer modeling, class and curriculum changes, films and stories, and home intervention with stories and toys (Spinner et al., 2018). The condition that facilitates the difference is the developmental level of the child. According to literature, intervention efforts are more effective with the subjects between the ages of four and ten than with the ages more than this. However, more differentiation within this age bracket is not clear cut due to two seemingly opposing theoretical stands. On the other hand, social learning theorists predict that sex-role stereotypes acquisition increases during middle & early childhood. This suggests that the most effective intervention period may be before such learning—an alternate cognitive-developmental stand (Spinner, et al, 2018).
Parents are famous to be significant socializers & there is ample descriptive message in support of this reason. Besides, there is a strong requirement for thoughtful procedures encouraging attitudes, preferences & non-sexists play, but there is small empirical information to support this approach (Spinner, et al, 2018). It can be safely assumed that most children are still exposed from birth, even though adults’ roles may be changing, to a consistent traditional gender role stereotypes barrage from their peers from birth, their families, media. More studies on parenting interventions that involve the influences on the subjects’ outcomes and gender roles modification is hence encouraged.
Reference
Spinner, L., Cameron, L., & Calogero, R. (2018). Peer toy play as a gateway to children’s gender flexibility: The effect of (counter) stereotypic portrayals of peers in children’s magazines. Sex roles, 79(5-6), 314-328.