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Feminism: Sex & gender discussions

Can someone point me in the direction of literature/ discussion around preschoolers and gender issues?

6 replies

belindarose · 12/02/2013 20:26

DD (aged 3), is expressing lots of ideas since starting school that I'm uncomfortable with. 'The boys' play this, that and the other (especially dinosaur, which she loves at home) and she can't play ('I'm just too busy' when asked why she can't). Today's gem was 'Do you know what a home corner is, mummy? It's a place where you learn how to look after babies and make the tea. That's why only girls play in it'.

I don't really know where to start with this. For me or for her. Was hoping for some links or book suggestions. Thanks.

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ashesgirl · 12/02/2013 20:40

Oh goodness, sounds like the school/nursery not au fait at all.

Can you talk to the manager or teacher?

There was a very recent thread in this section on the girls being given "Princess certificates" when they did well.

And the poster successfully approached the head teacher who agreed it was very inappropriate.

In meantime, just correct her gently and say no that's for both boys and girls etc.

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belindarose · 12/02/2013 20:47

I am definitely going to bring this up at school - was worried I was overreacting.

They will want to respond, so I thought some ideas of my own would be helpful. It is a mixed age foundation/ infant class and just happens to have a dynamic where the oldest children are mainly boys and the little ones are mainly girls, I think. I'm certain this won't have come explicitly from staff. It is a very child centred, democratic school - but maybe there needs to be more adult direction around this issue?

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gallicgirl · 12/02/2013 20:53

There's a website called towardsthestars.com that has lots of great resources.

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caughtintheact · 12/02/2013 20:55

Pink Brain Blue Brain by Lise Eliot is very good, not just about preschoolers but covers them and has useful ideas as well as thoroughly describing the research.

Delusions of gender by Cordelia Fine is also good, but far more general and doesn't propose much in the way of solutions to the issues it raises.

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belindarose · 12/02/2013 20:57

I have read Delusions of Gender. Thanks for the other suggestions, both of you.

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kim147 · 12/02/2013 21:05

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