WOMEN CAN'T DO REPAIR AND MEN CAN'T IRON! GENDER STEREOTYPES OF PRESCHOOL TEACHERS AND CHILDREN

Abstract

Gender stereotypes start at an early age, and it takes a certain process for stereotypes to bring about behavioral changes in individuals who are new members of society. Education is effective in children' acquisition of gender stereotypes. This study, which was conducted to investigate the relationship between the gender stereotypes of preschool teachers and the gender stereotypes of children in their classrooms, was conducted with 50 preschool teachers and 438 children. It was found that teachers' gender stereotypes were low, while children's gender stereotypes were high. It was found that there was no significant difference between the seniority of the teachers, their class size, the ages of the children in their classes, the genders of the children, and their gender stereotypes. It was found that children from lower socioeconomic levels and children aged 60-72 months had more gender stereotypes. There was no significant relationship between the teacher's and children's gender stereotypes. In order to reduce children's gender stereotypes, it is recommended that everyone who interacts with children should use a language free of gender stereotypes and act beyond these stereotypes.