Study Reveals Children Are Learning Dangerous Stereotypes At Primary School

Gender stereotypes are integrated much earlier than we think. According to a disturbing report from UNICEF, unveiled Thursday, November 8th, inequalities between girls and boys begin in the playground and are very visible.

Girls are more generally deprived of 'places of social friendliness and leisure'. They mix very little with boys. Girls tend to be more discriminated against regarding their appearance and clothes. They are twice as often harassed on the internet, in public transport or in public spaces as boys.

For their part, boys are more teased. But they have a lot more space in the playground because the girls stay away to let them play.

Almost accepted stereotypes

Not all children are equal to stereotypes. 'Living in a working-class neighbourhood or having unemployed parents has a stronger effect on girls than on boys in terms of access to knowledge, health or leisure activities,' says the report.

The conclusion is disturbing to say the least: "the stereotypes of sex and sexism are integrated from an early age (...) Individuals and society usually consent to it," said sociologist Edith Maruejouls.