The influence of non-traditional books on children\u27s gender stereotypes about adult occupations and on their occupational role playing with peers

While nontraditional children\u27s books have been suggested as one way of altering children\u27s gender stereotypes, it is not yet clear if they can in fact serve this role. In addition, it is unknown whether books will influence children\u27s attitudes, behaviors or both. This study examined the influence of nontraditional books on children\u27s gender stereotypes about adult occupations and on their role playing behavior among peers. Also of interest was how well children\u27s attitudes match their behaviors relative to gender stereotypes. Thirty-two four- to five-year olds were randomly assigned to one of eight play groups (four treatment, four control). They were individually questioned concerning adult occupations on four separate occasions (Weeks 2, 3, 4 and 14). At times 3 and 4, prior to measuring, children in the treatment condition were read nontraditional books while those in the control condition were read traditional books. The findings did not support the major hypothesis that children in the treatment group, but not those in the control group, would become less gender stereotypical about adult occupations over time. In addition, this research did not find that boys were more stereotypical than girls. Children were more stereotyped about boys being nurses than about girls being doctors. In general, children\u27s role play was stereotypical regardless of their gender stereotyped attitudes. That is, some children whose beliefs were high on gender stereotyping played nontraditional roles and vice versa. Finally, boys were less willing to take on gender nontraditional roles during play than were girls