Gender Difference and Toddler Play

The study aims to explore toddlers’ associations of specific behaviors with male and female genders.

The findings, published online in June 2010 by the journal Sex Roles, reveal that mothers’ and fathers’ interactions with their children, particularly in play situations, may influence toddlers’ perceptions of gender difference. Researchers videotaped parent-child play sessions and snack sessions. They then looked at the differences in the way play and caregiving were initiated in mother-son, mother-daughter, father-son and father-daughter combinations. During play, fathers were more assertive whereas mothers facilitated more cooperative behavior.

Researchers conclude that children recognize these different behaviors and attach them to gender roles within the family, associating males with assertive behavior and females with flexible behavior.

Read the report.