Sex Bias in the Representation of Male and Female Characters in Children's Picture Books

Abstract

Abstract Through content analysis, significant differences were found in the representation of male and female characters in a sample of children's picture books published in the years 1976 through 1987. Male characters outnumbered female characters, were given the majority of central character roles, and were more likely to be the recipients of help. In addition, male characters helped other male characters more than they helped female characters, and male helping behavior tended to be instrumental rather than expressive. Furthermore, female characters were frequently presented in a limited number of stereotyped roles, whereas male characters were presented in a wide variety of roles. The authors of children's picture books may need to become more responsible in their representation of the sexes.