What Big Eyes and Ears You Have!
WASHINGTON – Just when do children begin learning what is "right" for a boy or girl? A recent study conducted at Brigham Young University found that children at ages as early as 24 months are aware when actions veer away from traditionally masculine and feminine behaviors.
Toddlers in the study, co-authored by Ross Flom - Assistant Professor of Psychology at Brigham Young University, were shown video monitors of adults performing traditional gendered behavior (a woman applying nail polish and a man shaving) and nontraditional behavior (a woman putting on a tie and a man applying lipstick). The children spent more time watching the nontraditional gender behaviors, apparently recognizing that they are seeing something unfamiliar.
The study follows research from the University of Washington that found 18-month-olds were five times more hesitant to play with a toy after watching an adult express anger at someone else for playing with it. Researchers are calling children's use of adult cues like these to make choices about toys and play "emotional eavesdropping."
But what are the larger implications of these findings? Concealing interests and talents, and even hiding behind a welter of hairstyles, clothes and behaviors that children believe are expected of them, said Taneika Taylor, director of GenderPAC's Children As They Are program.
While the BYU study does not draw conclusions about any judgments that the toddlers may have associated with gender atypical behavior, it demonstrates that activities and behaviors of others are an important factor for children's "attention, perception, learning, and memory about gender stereotypes" from as early as 24 months.
This is an important finding because many researchers previously believed that children didn't begin to use gendered categories and stereotyping activities based on gender until the pre-school age.
"Even in infancy, children are absorbing messages from adults around them about what is acceptable behavior -- down to the toys they play with," said Taylor. "This means we have an extra responsibility as parents or educators to ensure children understand from as early as possible that all of their interests, skills, and talents are welcome, whether or not they are what's expected for boys or girls."
Children As They Are supports parents and educators in creating environments that are safe for all children. For more information, visit www.gpac.org/cata.