Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children

Zeynep Demirtaş; Hilal Altıntaş

doi:10.17275/per.26.45.13.3

Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children

Abstract

Gender stereotypes are societal generalizations about behaviors, roles, and traits expected from individuals based on gender. Preschool children start internalizing these stereotypes early through their observations and social interactions. This study examined preschool children’s gender stereotypes regarding professions, colors, and emotions. Using a phenomenological qualitative design, the research included 91 preschool children from a large city in Turkey. Data were gathered through face-to-face interviews where preschool children were shown images of gender-neutral animal figures and asked related questions. The collected data were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that preschool children have embraced gender stereotypes, linking professions, colors, and emotions to gender. Family members, teachers, and environmental observations were the most influential factors in shaping these associations. For example, professions like police officer and driver were primarily associated with boys, doctor with girls, and teaching with both genders. Preschool children connected pink and purple with girls, while blue and green were linked to boys. Emotional attributions also reflected gender differences: boys were associated with courage, anger, and fun, while girls were linked to fear, sadness, and love of nature. These findings highlight the need to raise awareness of gender stereotypes early on. Educational efforts promoting gender-neutral understanding can positively support preschool children’s social and emotional development.

Keywords

gender, gender stereotypes, preschool, students.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Specialist Studies in Education (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Zeynep Demirtaş ^*
0000-0002-0403-7199
Türkiye

Hilal Altıntaş
0000-0001-6581-4775
Türkiye

Publication Date

May 4, 2026

Submission Date

August 5, 2025

Acceptance Date

February 23, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 13 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.45.13.3

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA56AA68WB

APA

Demirtaş, Z., & Altıntaş, H. (2026). Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children. Participatory Educational Research, 13(3), 282-294. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.45.13.3

AMA

1.Demirtaş Z, Altıntaş H. Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children. PER. 2026;13(3):282-294. doi:10.17275/per.26.45.13.3

Chicago

Demirtaş, Zeynep, and Hilal Altıntaş. 2026. “Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children”. Participatory Educational Research 13 (3): 282-94. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.45.13.3.

EndNote

Demirtaş Z, Altıntaş H (May 1, 2026) Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children. Participatory Educational Research 13 3 282–294.

IEEE

[1]Z. Demirtaş and H. Altıntaş, “Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children”, PER, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 282–294, May 2026, doi: 10.17275/per.26.45.13.3.

ISNAD

Demirtaş, Zeynep - Altıntaş, Hilal. “Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children”. Participatory Educational Research 13/3 (May 1, 2026): 282-294. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.26.45.13.3.

JAMA

1.Demirtaş Z, Altıntaş H. Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children. PER. 2026;13:282–294.

MLA

Demirtaş, Zeynep, and Hilal Altıntaş. “Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children”. Participatory Educational Research, vol. 13, no. 3, May 2026, pp. 282-94, doi:10.17275/per.26.45.13.3.

Vancouver

1.Zeynep Demirtaş, Hilal Altıntaş. Manifestations of Social Gender Stereotypes in Preschool Children. PER. 2026 May 1;13(3):282-94. doi:10.17275/per.26.45.13.3