Overcoming gender stereotypes in early and preschool education

Rodni stereotipi predstavljaju brojne karakteristike i vjerovanja koja se vežu za određeni spol, a široko su rasprostranjena i općeprihvaćena u današnjem društvu. Djeca se od najranije dobi susreću s rodnim stereotipima, počevši od brojnih slikovnica, igračaka, medija pa sve do različitog tretiranja djece kako u obitelji, tako i u odgojno - obrazovnim ustanovama. Postoje biološki utjecaji koji utječu na usvajanje rodnih stereotipa i konformiranje s rodnim ulogama. Vrlo je važno naglasiti kako uz biološke utjecaje postoji i niz okolinskih utjecaja. Roditelji vrlo često od samog rođenja djeteta stvaraju različitu okolinu za dječake i djevojčice te vrlo često i svojim ponašanjem i stavovima potiču usvajanje rodnih stereotipa. Odgojitelji imaju vrlo snažan utjecaj na oblikovanje stavova kod djece, zbog čega je važno osvijestiti vlastito ponašanje i stav te poticati rodnu jednakost među djecom. U ovom radu su prikazana teorijska polazišta o utjecaju biologije i okoline za stvaranje i raširenost rodnih stereotipa. Isto tako, naglasak je na ulozi roditelja i odgojitelja u osvještavanju i sprječavanju rodnih stereotipa kako bi se putem odgoja i obrazovanja, koliko je to moguće, postigla rodna jednakost društva. Formirane su različite udruge koje djeluju na području Republike Hrvatske, a čiji je cilj osvijestiti društvo o prisutnosti rodnih stereotipa te o važnosti postizanja rodne ravnopravnosti. U svrhu postizanja rodne ravnopravnosti udruge organiziraju različite aktivnosti i projekte.Gender stereotypes represent numerous characteristics and beliefs associated with a certain gender, and are widespread and generally accepted in today's society. From a very early age, children encounter gender stereotypes, starting from numerous picture books, toys, media and ending with different treatment of children both in the family and in educational institutions. There are biological influences that influence the adoption of gender stereotypes and conforming to gender roles. It is very important to emphasize that in addition to biological influences, there are also a number of environmental influences. Parents very often create a different environment for boys and girls from the moment a child is born, and very often encourage the adoption of gender stereotypes with their behavior and attitudes. Educators have a very strong influence on shaping children's attitudes, which is why it is important to be aware of one's own behavior and attitude and to encourage gender equality among children. This paper presents theoretical starting points on the influence of biology and the environment for the creation and spread of gender stereotypes. There is also an emphasis on the role of parents and educators in raising awareness and preventing gender stereotypes in order to achieve gender equality in society as much as possible through upbringing and education. Different associations have been formed, which operate in the territory of the Republic of Croatia, and whose goal is to make society aware of the presence of gender stereotypes and the importance of achieving gender equality. In order to achieve gender equality, associations organize various activities and projects