Page 12 - LESSION 20.pmd

Understanding Diversity

possess the same traits whereas this may not be true of every member.
Stereotypical beliefs can be rigid, but they do and have changed over time.
Notes Stereotypes are not always inherently negative, but because they are assumptions

that disregard a person’s individual and inherent abilities, opportunities and
environment, they tend to be prejudicial. Negative stereotypes hinder peoples’
ability to fulfill their potential by limiting choices and opportunities. They are
at the root of overt and covert, direct and indirect, and recurrent discrimination.

20.4.2 Gender stereotypes

Gender stereotyping is related to behavior associated with girls and boys and
creating beliefs about qualities possessed by a man and a woman. Stereotypical
roles of men and women or about people belonging to a particular caste are
further strengthened through media in the form of songs, movies, advertisements
etc.The table below provides examples of qualities expected in woman and man
by the society.

Woman Man
Dependent Independent

Weak Powerful/strong
Less important More important
Emotional Logical

Implementers Decision makers
House keepers Bread winners

Supporters Leaders
Fearful Brave

Teachers should be conscious of not promoting any stereotypes or reaffirming
the existing ones.

20.5 PROMOTING GENDER EQUITABLE PARTICIPATION
OF ALL IN LEARNING AND PLAY

Schools have the responsibility of promoting gender equality. They can adopt
various methods and techniques to achieve this. All activities of learning and
play planned in the centre should aim at achieving this goal.

Some of the methods that can be adopted are:

20.5.1 Choosing the Right Toy/TLM

The ECCE centre usually relies heavily on play and toys. These toys can play
a significant role in building a gender-friendly centre. The ECCE teacher should

196 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION