Naomi Bass
The aim in this study is to examine gender use of stereotypical vocabulary and toy choices within early years settings. Bandura (1925) emphasised the impact of role models on children’s development and behaviour within positive or negative impacts. Children are seen as imitating their role models play, communication and doing so within their socialising and play themselves (Bates, 2019, p.52). Early educational environments where children create everlasting foundations for growth, they are primarily at focus in creating neutral and accepting environments of equality. To enrich their teaching and environments as a haven of opportunity to freely choose play and learning styles, scaffolded through individual thoughts and interests, not influenced by others beliefs or stereotypes (Price, 2018, p.13).
Within collection of research proposed is twenty questionnaires, contents to contain relevant questions diverse to job roles, without any leading questions. To diminish any researcher bias, these will remain open and consistent throughout (Davis and Hughes, 2014, p.94). A Secondary approach to research gathered will be within the form of a focus group amongst early years teachers. This enables opportunity for the researcher to discover deep thought and opinion from the group distinguishing and emphasising reliability within research (Carter, 2021, p.146).
Naomi Bass
Inspired to Develop Understanding, Knowledge and Practice in Equality.
As an enthusiastic Deputy Manager at a nursery in Fleetwood, a Mother, and a person who thrives in equality for all, i knew the pathway in which i wanted to take my research. I have been driven in equality in early years since the moment i stepped foot in early education. The possibility of helping develop young minds, aiding in shaping our worlds future amongst these little people inspires me most. With the new Early Years Statutory Framework (2021) coming into force this September i was eagerly overjoyed in the acknowledgment in the promotion of a gender neutral approach. This was also emphasized amongst the Statutory Framework (2021) and non Statutory documents of Development Matters (2021) and Birth to 5 Matters (2021).
Research Shows.....
Lever's (1978) study unlayered gender and play, evaluating their connections which they have as a pair. Risman and Myers (1997) advanced on this proposal and discussed the implications in which caregivers beliefs and responses to gender contribute to mirroring onto a childs future ideologies too. Some isles in toy shops display set isles for genders, sometimes advertisements being gender focused and even play advertised fitting the creators ideas on acceptable gender play. Gender is everywhere, but how it is promoted is different. Adult belief and opinion can grately impact on future child opinion in this case in correlation to gender. Where the vast majority of children under 5 years attend early years settings, some often for 30 hours a day. Practitioners become a part of the impact in gender equality and developing the play, do and be anything approach.
Questions I'm Still Asking.
Despite research highlighting the growing importance of equality, as a whole being promoted from early years. I still required more answering, in real time. My aims continued to remain unanswered in discovery of examining the use of gender specific resources within early years and exploring the use of suitable vocabulary to avoid gender bias in settings too. Questionnaires for various Early Years Educators have been handed out, i am now awaiting completion of these. The focus group has now been performed and early research is beginning to develop.
Findings So Far.
Open-Ended Resources - Choices in Own Play. Open-ended resources provide equal, problem solving and imaginative development for all. Educators mentioned the importance in ability for all children to access every resource they wish to, without restriction. Another highlighted discussion is the importance of adults modelling various job roles, people and genders in role play. I am excited and keen to progress through and gather all research to conclude all findings to complete my study.
