Gender stereotyped descriptors in children's picture books: Does ?curious Jane? exist in the literature?

Abstract

This study examined the subtle effects of gender stereotyping in children's literature though the use of differential language and tested hypotheses derived from a feminist framework. Thirty Caldecott Medal and “honors” books for the period 1984–1994 were examined for prevalence of characters in titles, pictures, and central roles. Character descriptors were analyzed for meaning on four factors: potency, activity, evaluation, and gender association. Results show greater numbers of males than females in titles and pictures, with no difference in central roles. Males were described as more potent, active, and masculine than females. Contrary to prediction, the adjectives used for females were more positively evaluated than those used for males. Authors did not differ in their use of descriptors.