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GENDER STEREOTYPES
Encouraging critical thinking & resilience in the face of limiting gender stereotypes
THE FACTS
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The more TV a child watches, the more likely they are to believe that “boys are better”, according to a 2013 study by developmental psychologists
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If asked to draw a scientist, only around 1 in 4 children will draw a woman
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Stereotypes can work against boys as well as girls. As Gender Action points out, boys are just as likely to be put off studying English and drama as girls are to feel they aren’t capable of pursuing physics and business studies
Do you unconsciously allow more aggression in your boy? Tolerate more sensitivity in your girl? Hold them to different standards for bravery, physical prowess creativity and focus?
Every now and again, picture your Edward as an Edwina as a role-reversal test!
Gender stereotypes sound like:
“Boys like…” “Girls don’t, can’t or shouldn’t…” “Boys are naturally…”
Watch out for them and gently challenge why it isn’t OK for girls to play with tractors or boys with dolls
A MIGHTY GIRL
The world’s largest collection of books, toys, movies and music for parents, teachers and others dedicated to raising smart, confident and courageous girls
GENDER DIARY
Follow a mother and father on Twitter as they parent one a girl and a boy. They’ve now published a collection of their online writing: The Gender Agenda
How to challenge friends and relatives’ stereotypes?
Kassia Binkowski’s post How to broach feminism with the unconvinced and this Bust article both counsel a respectful storytelling approach: “Ask questions”, “Agree where you can” and ”Be patient and kind”
“If Grandma insists on splitting up the cousins based on gender or only gifting them certain things, you have every right to remind them that ‘girl’ and ‘boy’ are concepts us grown-ups created”
6 ways parents can challenge gender stereotypes… – Karen Fratti
“One day I asked my oldest what it was like to have one best friend who is a girl and one best friend who is a boy. His answer? ‘It’s the same. We all like computer games and running around and making up stories and crisps’”
Being a Feminist Mum to Boys – Ella Duncan (Zero Tolerance)
GENDER-POSITIVE MEDIA
A recommendations service with a great section for parents on sex, gender & body image. Find reviews and lists of the best and worst kids’ films for gender stereotyping & advice on talking about gender issues
It might be easier for children of different genders to foster their relationships outside of school at each other’s houses.
It’s surprisingly easy to fall into having only single-sex friendships or playdates. The more you mix up girls and boys, the more gender neutral their play will become
Both men and women should feel free to be sensitive, to be strong. I think it is right I am paid the same as my male counterparts, that I should be able to make decisions about my own body, that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decisions that will affect my life, that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. In my moments of doubt, I tell myself firmly: “If not me, who? If not now, when?”
– actor Emma Watson, HeForShe campaign speech to the UN (2014)
Gender resources
More help with #GenderStereotypes
GLOBAL EQUALITY COLLECTIVE | Home resources
The Global Equality Collective has gathered together a set of resources to help you put stereotype-free gender equality into practice at home – including a section on consent and a great reading list and video wall Go to the Global Equality Collective >
THE GOOD MEN PROJECT | Exploring positive masculinity
One for positive-masculinity enthusiasts – a kind of “Upworthy for men” with plenty of inspiring content to explore – like this article about dads, daughters and the chat. See also the great work of A Call To Men… Go to The Good Men Project >
LIFTING LIMITS | Challenging gender stereotypes in school
Their work in schools tackling gender stereotypes is making an impact on children, teachers and parents. Check out their views on gender stereotypes in society and at school – as well as these homeschooling resources for parents Go to Lifting Limits >
LET TOYS BE TOYS | Gender marketing campaign
Fab campaign against gender-stereotyped toy marketing. Find out how to get involved in the campaign, access a great gift guide, and find out how to raise the issue with your child’s school Go to Let Toys Be Toys >
FAWCETT SOCIETY | Campaigning for equality
The Fawcett Society campaigns for gender equality and women’s rights at work, at home and in public life. See their tips for challenging gender stereotypes with kids age 0 to 8 and read their Unlimited Potential report Go to the Gender Stereotypes Review >
Remember: every child is different. Adjust these suggestions for the age and stage of your child. Children with special educational needs and disabilities, looked-after children and children who have experienced abuse may all need different support.
If you’re in doubt about your child’s development, you should seek the advice of a professional