Developing Understanding of Gender in Preschool Children: The Role of Toys in Gender Construction

Abstract, Introduction, Theoretical approach, Method, Results and discussion, Conclusion, References

Abstract

Abstract

The preschool period is the basis of building the character and personality of the individual. Many features built into this period remain unchanged throughout life. Even modern psychologists suggest that personality in general is relatively stable and permanent. In recent decades, special attention has been paid to the toys that children play with. The purpose of this paper is the theoretical and empirical treatment of the impact of toys on the development of understanding of gender in children. The research was based on consensual qualitative research (CQR) paradigm. Semi-Structured Interview (SSIs) was used to interview respondents. The research was conducted on a purposive sample. A kindergarten teacher, an economist, a private business administrator and an employee in a toy store in the Kicevo region of Republic of North Macedonia were interviewed. We used Constant Comparison Analysis (CCA) to analyze the data for this qualitative study. Research results show that children’s toys are segregated according to gender, gender neutral toys are less liked by buyers, while girls more easily engage in games with typical male toys.

Keywords: children's toys, sexuality, gender construction.