Research for Preschool Children's Gender Socialization

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The purpose of this research is to examine gender socialization in preschool children. I conducted four kinds of research or analysis. Main results are as follows :(1) ContentAnalysis of Mass Media for Children : 35 TV programs for children aired in Spring and Autumn 2001 and 112 Children's books were analysed. Women were less represented than men in both media. Moreover, the occupational and private roles for women were restricted.(2) Participant Observation in Kindergarten and Daycare/childcare Center : For 36 days, since July 2000 - March 2001, and November 2001, observation was conducted at two daycare/childcare centers in North area of Miyazaki Prefecture and a kindergarten in Hiroshima Prefecture. Children's preference for TV cartoon programs and their favorite colors were analysed in terms of gender expectation and social interaction. Gender division was found in the play of the children. Teachers used gender-categories for grouping children, while their treatment of the childre … More n was usually gender-free.(3) Interviews with Teachers : Teachers at the kindergarten and childcare centers were requested for interviews during November and December 2001. They were asked questions about the children's play, media preferences, interaction with the children, and their past gender-related experiences. Their responses revealed that they take gender-categories for granted, and their past gender-related experiences influence their interaction with children.(4) Parent Questionnaires : During March 2001, 161 preschool children's parents responded to three kinds of questionnaire : one was about their children, one for the female parent's views on gender and another for the male parent's views on gender. Parents' experiences during adolescence related to their gender attitudes. The gender attitudes of parents also related to treatment of their children.The present study found that gender socialization in preschool children is a complex process in which preschool children themselves are active agents. Less