How do children identify gender?

The children in this video presentation will demonstrate that gender stereotyping is present in early childhood.

The video establishes that the children identify Little Critter’s gender to be male.

The children visually confirm the symbolic content present in this book to establish “proof of gender”.

These views will demonstrate the symbolic interactionism approach in identifying the gender of the Little Critter character.

The following sociological ideologies that shape gender are identified:

1) Toys influence gender socialization.

2) Parents/adults encourage gender “appropriate” play in children.

3) Children are actively involved in gender segregation.

4) Gender ideology constitutes “appropriate” male and female roles and behavior.

Top  left:  Mom  in  her  dress  caring                                      Top  Right:  Dad  in  his  business  attire  and                                  for  the  children  at  home.    the  only  person  wearing  pants  in  the  family.    

This video reveals several key sociological concepts:

The video will reveal girls tend to exhibit more gender-stereotype flexibility.

The 6 year old girl in the video contradicts what the boys say is appropriate male behaviour such as “girls can play hide and seek” and “he would play with me”.

This is also known as boundary crossing, which happens particularly when girls are skilled for an activity, or when activities require cooperation (Brym et al, 2012, p. 273).

This video will show that gender stereotyping is clearly established in children, who are as young as 4 years old in this video. It will also expose how media images can shape socialization and stereotypical gender roles.

Goertzen. Leah, 6731181 Marchuk, Tracy L, 6794646

Smart, Jennifer, 7505684 Group 6

Soc1200 University of Manitoba

February 25, 2013