What suggestions would you offer to parents and teachers who

What suggestions would you offer to parents and teachers who want to socialize children into more androgynous and flexible gender roles? Be specific.

Solution

A) Parents treat sons and daughters alike (interact
equally, are equally warm) except for behaviour related to gender roles
• Dolls, dress-up, helping an adult are encouraged with girls
• Rough and tumble play is encouraged with boys
• Parents react more positively when children play with toys typical for their sex
• Fathers are more likely to encourage behaviour associated with gender stereotypes.

B) Many teachers and schools make gender salient in the classroom - eg. Separate lines for boys and girls
• Might call on boys more than girls
• Are more likely to scold boys more for disruptive behaviour
• Since most elementary school teachers are female, classroom activities, readings, wall dressings, etc. might be more appealing for girls
• When boys are not interested in something they tend not to do it.