s about males and females based on their physical appearance, interests, abilities and functions (Gooden & Gooden, 2001). Citing previous research studies, Diekman and Murnen (2004) reported that children who read stories that contain gender stereotypes are more likely to be reinforced in traditional gender beliefs compared to those who are exposed to stories with no gender stereotypes. In comparison with adults, children are even more susceptible to the power of books than their adult counterparts, because of their lack of experiences and references to the real world. Essentially, they are unable to counterbalance the gender stereotypical messages they receive from the books with information obtained from the real world (Diekman & Murnen 2004).
What is most disturbing about children's exposure to stereotypes in books is the impact on their beliefs about gender roles, which in turn influence their perceptions about their own abilities, identities and potential for the future. By reading different books that exposes them to counter-stereotypical gender, children will grow up to become individuals who will not limit themselves within the gender boundaries imposed upon them by society (Diekman & Murnen, 2004; Sheldon, 2004).
The purpose of this paper is tn determine whether a relationship exists between gender stereotypes in children's books and a children's perception of gender. Through the qualitative review of literature that covers topics including gender stereotypes in children's books and children's perceptions of gender, the nature of the relationship will be further explored. This study hypothesizes that a positive relationship exists between gender stereotypes in children's books and a children's perception of gender. In other words, the more children are exposed to gender stereotypes, the more likely that they are to possess stereotypical perceptions of gender roles.
In this qualitative review of literature, a...