Discuss some ways to reduce gender stereotyping in young children

Question

Please provide the best answer for the statement.

Answer 1

Because young children’s cognitive limitations lead them to assume that cultural practices determine gender, adults are wise to try to delay preschoolers’ exposure to gender-stereotyped messages. Parents and teachers can begin by limiting traditional gender roles in their own behavior and by providing children with nontraditional alternatives. For example, parents can take turns making dinner, bathing children, and driving the family car, and they can give their sons and daughters both trucks and dolls and both pink and blue clothing.
Once children notice the vast array of gender stereotypes in their society, adults can point out exceptions. They can arrange for children to see both women and men pursuing nontraditional careers and can explain that interests and skills, not sex, should determine a person’s occupation. Research shows that such reasoning reduces children’s gender­biased views. By middle childhood, children who hold flexible beliefs about what boys and girls can do are more likely to notice instances of gender discrimination.