Gender Stereotypes in Educational Software for Young Children.

Children are increasingly being exposed to educational technology at school. In response to this, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) drafted a set of technology standards for teachers (ISTE, 2002) that specifically states that teachers should empower all students and suppor...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Sex Roles Vol. 51; no. 7/8; pp. 433 - 445
Autor principal: Sheldon, Jane P.
Formato: Artículo
Publicado: Springer Science & Business Media B.V. Oct2004
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Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
Descripción
Sumario:Children are increasingly being exposed to educational technology at school. In response to this, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) drafted a set of technology standards for teachers (ISTE, 2002) that specifically states that teachers should empower all students and support diversity. This content analysis of educational software for preschoolers was designed to look at gender representations and stereotyping. The results demonstrated significantly more male characters than female characters in preschool educational software, which makes it difficult for teachers to address gender diversity and suggests that girls are not as valued as boys are. Male characters were also more likely than female characters to exhibit several masculine-stereotypical traits. In addition, female characters more than male characters exhibited counterstereotypical behaviors, yet were more gender stereotyped in appearance. Reprinted by permission of the publisher.