Summary:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the views, attitudes and reactions of children in a kindergarten class regarding gender roles, and to observe the differences that may exist between them. The research data were collected through qualitative methodology, namely conducting semi-structured interviews after showing gender-oriented photographs. After the transcription, the analysis of the written notes and the thorough monitoring of the video recordings, the researcher came to the results which she approached through the method of thematic analysis.
In addition to the central problematic and the research question related to it, the research answered some individual research questions. Specifically, it answered how children perceive gender roles at the level of profession, family and extracurricular activities, how children express their approval and disapproval in relation to gender roles, how the presence or absence of role models affects children of the genders of their immediate family and social environment, in whether, when and to what extent children internalize externally imposed gender stereotypes.
The researcher conducted the present study with the participation of students of a kindergarten in a rural area of the prefecture of Trikala, Thessaly. The study participants were all 5-6 years old, five (5) girls and five (5) boys. The ethnic, economic and cultural backgrounds of the children were almost homogeneous. The identities of the children in the sample remained protected throughout the research process, while the principles of confidentiality and anonymity were strictly adhered to. For all children, pseudonyms-numbers were used.
By analyzing the results, it was found that the children to a very large extent express the stereotypical dominant perception of gender. Their attitudes and perceptions are characterized as "traditional", as being influenced by the attitudes and opinions of the "adults" around them, while they confirm a significant part of the literature. When showing the photos, the children's reactions were fascinating, as their interest was truly genuine. Both boys and girls paid special attention to the process and the images of the photos. The researcher observed that children learn and form belief systems through interaction with those around them. Therefore, as long as this interaction does not involve gender "surprises" for the child, his conformity to the gender order will be self-evident. Finally, it was found that the global awareness of gender perception and behavior that children express, communicate and manifest, will provide parents, teachers and important persons in children's lives, the motivation to support and teach children about equality of the sexes.
Keywords:
Gender, Sex, Gender Roles, Kindergarten, Gender Socialization
