Technology in children’s picture books as an agent for reinforcing or challenging traditional gender stereotypes

Author
Axell, C. & Boström, J.
Source
International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 31:27-39.
Year
2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the technological content in a selection of picture books for children from a gender perspective. Technology is an area with strong connotations to the feminine/masculine dichotomy. Children develop stereotypical notions based on this dichotomy from the age of two. Activities in kindergartens, such as reading aloud from picture books, create an arena where the norms of society can either be preserved or challenged. Books about various technological objects, such as cars, planes and boats, often serve as an introduction to children about how people use technology. This can affect how children identify and categorize the technology they encounter in everyday life.

Result

The results show that the books focus on how the different objects work, but they do not provide detailed explanations of how these objects are connected or what kind of implications they have for society. It also seems that most emphasis is placed on traditional masculine coded technology.

Design

The researchers visited four libraries in three Swedish cities and reviewed books that were on the shelves under the categories facts for children and technology for children. This resulted in a sample of 180 books for ages 1—3 and 3—6. The researchers conducted a thematic analysis to find dominant themes in these books. 

References

Axell, C. & Boström, J. (2019). ”Technology in children’s picture books as an agent for reinforcing or challenging traditional gender stereotypes ”. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 31:27-39.

Financed by

Linköping University, Sweden