Stereotypes : a comparative analysis of stereotyping in children

Abstract

The aim of this research is to find out what type of stereotypes are ingrained in children’s minds from a young age, and whether these change or grow stronger as children grow older. To gather the information that was required, the researcher chose to use focus groups with two groups of children, both males and females. The participants were members of a local Scouts group and of two different age groups. The Beavers, meaning the youngest participants were 5-6 year olds and the Cubs, meaning the eldest participants were of 7-8 year olds. During the focus groups, the participants were presented with six cartoon characters of different gender, age and ethnicity. The participants had to come up with a story using these cartoon characters, giving them the same role they hold in the movies and even come up with different roles. Through their stories, the researcher was able to trace any stereotypes that the children hold and analyse whether these change or grow stronger as the child grows older. It was evident from the stories that stereotypes were present in both age groups. Two types of specific stereotypes were prominent in the stories. In addition to this, comments that contradict stereotypes were also present. When analysing the stories of both age groups, it was evident that stereotypes do not grow stronger as children grow older.