Exposing Preschool Children to Counterstereotypical Professional Role Models Using Audiovisual Means: A Small Study in a Preschool in Greece

Abstract

The presence of gender-related professional stereotypes has been detected as early as preschool. The value of counterstereotypical role model interventions in triggering changes in the gender perceptions of children has been extensively researched with varying results. In the present study, drawing on the operational tool of exposing children to counterstereotypes, we organized a 2-day activity with a view to both exploring preschool children’s gender perceptions of a range of professions, and to determining whether children were triggered to change these preconceptions after their exposure to counter-stereotypes. A video documentary was shown to the children, containing interviews of women in non-traditional professional roles. The participants were asked questions about the gender suitability of each profession before and after viewing the documentary. The results show a significant effect of the exposure only for half of the professions.