The books that children read growing up can have a strong impact on their attitudes towards certain topics later on in life, whether they be positive or negative. Many people think that children’s literature does not have to be monitored closely for stereotypes, however this is not the case because even very young children are able to pick up on and understand the stereotypes that are taking place in their favorite bedtime stories. It was found that “when children are read stories that portray stereotypic characters or roles, their gender-related beliefs tend to be more traditional and sexist” (Roper & Clifton). The children might not know what a stereotype is or what it means to be stereotyped, but they do start to learn things such as girls
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This stereotype is dangerous because it can implant the idea in children’s minds that their futures are determined by their gender. Even without consciously realizing it, children can begin to think that they are restricted from certain jobs because of their gender, which is not the case. An example of a book that goes against this is Man’s Work by Frank Endersby, a story that follows a little boy and his father as they do chores around the house such as dusting and cleaning. This book, while very simple as it was just pictures without words, sends the strong message that cleaning and maintaining a home is not just the job of women, but it can be for men too. Similarly, the story My Mom is a Firefighter written by Lois G. Grambling also portrays a family in which the mother or father have roles that go against the stereotype because in the story the little boy’s mother is a firefighter instead of his father. The message that children would be able to pick up on from the story is that any job opportunity is available to them regardless of their gender. Finally, the story Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do written by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook follows a female male-carrier as she delivers mail to people working all kinds of jobs. This book challenges the gender stereotype because it portrayed men as artists
This stereotype is dangerous because it can implant the idea in children’s minds that their futures are determined by their gender. Even without consciously realizing it, children can begin to think that they are restricted from certain jobs because of their gender, which is not the case. An example of a book that goes against this is Man’s Work by Frank Endersby, a story that follows a little boy and his father as they do chores around the house such as dusting and cleaning. This book, while very simple as it was just pictures without words, sends the strong message that cleaning and maintaining a home is not just the job of women, but it can be for men too. Similarly, the story My Mom is a Firefighter written by Lois G. Grambling also portrays a family in which the mother or father have roles that go against the stereotype because in the story the little boy’s mother is a firefighter instead of his father. The message that children would be able to pick up on from the story is that any job opportunity is available to them regardless of their gender. Finally, the story Clothesline Clues to Jobs People Do written by Kathryn Heling and Deborah Hembrook follows a female male-carrier as she delivers mail to people working all kinds of jobs. This book challenges the gender stereotype because it portrayed men as artists