This study sought to determine the existence of the relationship between gender stereotypes in children's books and children's perceptions of gender. The exploration of this topic involved a qualitative review of 15 research articles that addressed this topic from multiple perspectives. Several research studies that focused on measuring the gender representations in children's books were based on the premise that the presence of gender stereotypes in books automatically translates into children's gender stereotypical perceptions. However, the remaining research studies suggested that children's gender perceptions played a stronger role in shaping their interpretations of gender issues in books, rather than vice versa. In fact, multiple factors such as gender orientation, socialization, gender bias in the classrooms and the role of teachers in providing guidance in the interpretation of books, were shown to play even more important roles in shaping children's gender perceptions. Therefore, the relationship between gender stereotypes in children's books and children's perceptions of gender is not a direct one; it is also likely to be complex (involving the interaction of multiple variables) and bidirectional.
In spite of the fact that many children's books immersd children in fantastical and imaginary worlds, they often transmit values and social norms of the real world. One of these social norms is gender roles. According to Tepper and Cassidy (1990), books enable children to learn about social expectations of masculine and feminine roles. As stated by Turner-Bowker, language is a common social tool that is utilized to preserve the status quo of gender relationships in society. Language in books thus possesses the power to promote or undermine gender stereotypes (cited in Gooden & Gooden, 2001). Gender stereotypes in books are manifested by the portrayal of male and female characters who conform to conventional assumption...