Nontraditional gender role portrayals on television and children's gender role perceptions

Abstract

The relation between nontraditional television programming and children's gender role perceptions is the focus of this study; possible age differences in gender role perceptions and flexibility are also examined. Knowledge of the content of “Who's the Boss?”, “The Cosby Show”, and “Growing Pains” was assessed in kindergarten and second-grade children tested in the springs of 1986 and 1987. Two measures of gender role perceptions were also administered to each child. In addition, traditional gender role knowledge was examined in the 1987 participants. Some data linking knowledge of nontraditional television shows and nontraditional gender role perception were found. Previously television viewing has been related to traditional gender role perceptions. As varying gender role portrayals are included in television programming this association may change.