The media are important sources of information to children about the world around them. From watching television, reading books and magazines and playing with toys, children learn how to behave as children and adults. They learn what is appropriate for boys and girls to wear, to do and to be.

What do children learn about being male and female in our society from the media?

Write an hypothesis about what images of male and female you expect to find in media related to children.

Data collection: Watch at least 2 episodes of 5 different television programs for children under the age of 13.

Make a log of each episode (10 all together). It should include a list of all the characters and their gender. Write a description of the characters both physical (what does it look like?, clothing) and personality (what characteristics does this character have?: eg.: strong and decisive, weak and follows others, bossy, nosy). A brief summary of the events of the episode and which characters took the lead or organized activities. It should include significant dialog that can help you discuss gender. Cartoons, puppet programs and programs that have both people and puppets are okay (yes, South Park is also okay).

Visit a toy store or toy section of any department store (K-mart, Target, etc.) and make a list of 10 (each) common (found in more than one store) toys for boys and girls. Describe the toys (what do they look like? What do they do? What is said on the box to sell them? Are they related to the television shows you have watched?)

Use this information to discuss your hypothesis and to answer the question above.

Contact me if you have any questions: bmori@oboe.calpoly.edu

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