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Little Images: A Review of the Literature on Role Models and Socialization Patterns for Children

NCJ Number
150366
Date Published
Unknown
Length
28 pages
Annotation
Focusing on role models and socialization patterns for children, this discussion examines the roles of families, schools, teachers, textbooks, and the media and suggests ways that they can eliminate sex-role stereotypes and other harmful images that contribute to child abuse.
Abstract
Children usually absorb sexually differentiated attitudes, behaviors, and goals at an early age. Major socialization theories can be grouped into two categories: biological determinism and environmental theories. The socialization of boys and girls is still based largely on stereotypical attitudes regarding gender behavior and roles. Families, schools, textbooks, and the media in Ontario, Canada all promote these stereotypes. Although egalitarian family patterns and role sharing are emerging, more changes are needed. Parents can provide more flexible role models for their children and provide boys and girls the same opportunities to learn independence, mastery, expressiveness, and nurturing. Schools and teachers can continue their process by examining their own attitudes and behaviors and using nonsexist teaching principles and materials in the classroom. Reference notes and 57 references