Gender Stereotypes in Child Development in Bangladesh

Abstract

Generalized expectations about a person's behavior, views, and personality based on their biological sex are referred to as gender stereotypes. Children are introduced to these gender stereotypes in their childhood through various elements and processes. Using qualitative research methods, this research demonstrates how gender stereotypes take place among children in Bangladesh. The findings show how social norms on color, clothing, patriarchy, misrepresentation of women in media and textbooks, parents’ and teachers’ gender-specific behavior, etc. can influence a child psychologically to internalize and normalize gender stereotypes which shapes their perceptions towards other genders. These norms of gender stereotypes often come from family members. However, there is less qualitative research done that analyses how children learn gender stereotypes in the context of Bangladesh. This study will unfold how children are introduced to gender stereotypes which result in gender discrimination in society.