by Bosco Chiclana
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Egalia, a pre-school in a well-to-do district of Stockholm is attempting to free children from social expectations based on gender (bbc.co.uk 8 July 2011).
- Teachers avoid using the pronouns “him” and “her”, and dolls and trucks are placed deliberately side-by-side to encourage children to play with whatever they choose.
- Gender equality is important in Swedish society, and now breaking down gender roles is an issue that has become relevant in the Swedish preschool curriculum. To even things out, many schools have hired “gender pedagogues” to help staff identify language and behaviour that risk reinforcing stereotypes.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Parents, especially young ones, are concerned with the education of their children in a comprehensive and open-minded environment.
- Start ‘em young: ideas of gender roles are often instilled during childhood. Spreading the importance of gender equality at such a young age could help kids prize equality as they grow up.
RESOURCES
