Understanding, Challenging, and Expanding: An Exploration of Elementary Students' Conceptions of Gender

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Evaluating Social Studies Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This study investigates how elementary students think about gender roles and norms and gender equity both before and after engaging in an integrated social studies and critical literacy unit intended to challenge stereotypical portrayals of gender. Harmful gender stereotypes develop in early in childhood and are often reinforced throughout elementary education, necessitating instruction that helps students think critically about gender stereotypes and their own perceptions of gender. Findings of this study indicate that integrating social studies instruction with critical literacy pedagogy may be a promising approach to helping students identify and challenge gender stereotypes and gender-based inequity.

Author

• Alyssa Whitford, Michigan State University