Student Web Activites

Chapter 10: Inequalities of Gender and Age

"Gender Socialization in Schools"

Introduction
In this chapter you learned about the concepts of sex, gender, and gender identity, as well as the inequalities people sometimes experience based on their gender. The gender socialization of children begins immediately, from the time they are born, and the consequences of this early socialization can be life-long. The differences in the gender socialization of boys and girls in school significantly impacts their academic success in certain subjects and affects which subjects they choose to pursue as their future careers. In this activity you will take a closer look at the causes and consequences of gender socialization in schools.

Web sites
Gender Inequalities in the Classroom
Even though it is on the decline, gender inequalities still exist in the classroom today. Read about the stereotypes on boys and girls and what is being done to help correct this issue.

Dolls, Trucks, and Identity
Read through this report on how educators are trying to help young children grow beyond their gender. There are suggestions other teachers have tried to avoid inequalities in their classroom.

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Activity
Imagine that you have been hired to devise an action plan for more equitable socialization of preschool and elementary school children. Prepare a handout that you would distribute to teachers and administrators at a meeting about this topic. What advice would you give them? What sorts of activities should they encourage? What should they try to avoid doing? Give them as many concrete examples and ideas for activities as you can. Conduct additional research if necessary.