A Content Analysis of Gender Representations in Preschool Children’s Television

Abstract

Prior content analyzes have highlighted the pervasiveness of gender-stereotyped portrayals and the underrepresentation of female characters in television programming. The present study is the first to examine gender representations in television shows specifically targeted at preschool-age children, which is a period when children are developing their understandings about gender. The sampled programs included three episodes each from 34 current shows. We compared female and male characters for number of total characters and lead characters (either mostly male, mostly female, or mixed). In addition, we analyzed the relative rates that female or male characters were depicted in the following: talking, speech (suggestions or support), aggression, gender-typed activities, and gender-typed appearance. Overall, the findings indicate preschool television perpetuates many gender stereotypes. However, some trends were less likely in programs with mostly female characters. Also, gender-stereotypical representations may be less pervasive in preschool-age programs than those previously indicated in content analyses of shows aimed at older children.