Abstract
This research examined the creative writing of 180 elementary school children for evidence of sex difference and sex-role perceptions. Stories were analyzed for frequency of male and female characters, attributes, and roles. Writers were equally divided by sex and into three age groups—grades 1–2, 3–4, and 5–6. Results suggest that the total number of characters, roles, and attributes was equivalent. However, the distribution of male and female characters, roles, and attributes differed with male and female writers. Female writers included significantly more female characters and assigned more attributes and roles to these characters. Nevertheless, in the stories of both male and female writers, there was a predominance of male characters and assignment of attributes and roles to male characters. The findings support the development and implementation of a nonsexist curriculum.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Collins, L., Ingoldsby, B., & Dellman, M. Sex-role stereotyping in children's literature: A change from the past. Childhood Education, 1984, 60, 278–285.
Czaplinski, S. Sexism in award winning picture books. Pittsburgh: Know, Inc., 1972.
Erikson, E. H. Childhood and society. New York: Norton, 1950.
Everitt, B. S. The analysis of contingency tables. New York: Halstead Press, 1977.
Hillman, J. S. Analysis of male and female roles in two periods of children's literature. Journal of Educational Research, 1974, 68, 84–88.
Kohlberg, L. A cognitive-developmental analysis of children's sex-role concepts and attitudes. In E. E. Maccoby (Ed.), The development of sex differences. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1966, Pp. 82–173.
Michigan Women's Commission. Sex discrimination in an elementary reading program. Lansing: Author, 1974.
Shapiro, J., Kramer, S., & Hunerberg, C. Equal their chances. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1981.
Weitzman, L. J., Eifler, E. H., & Ross, C. Sex-role socialization in picture books for preschool children. American Journal of Sociology, 1981, 77, 1125–1150.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Trepanier, M.L., Romatowski, J.A. Attributes and roles assigned to characters in children's writing: Sex differences and sex-role perceptions. Sex Roles 13, 263–272 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288084
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288084