Gender is a social construct, a set of roles and expectations defined by the society and culture we grow up in and identify with. From a very young age, children absorb cues about what it means to be a “boy” or a “girl,” often without realizing it.

In the article “Girls, Worms, and Body Image,” children were asked what “facts” boys knew about girls and vice versa. Their answers reflected many familiar stereotypes: “Girls aren’t as smart as boys,” “Girls spend a long time getting ready and want to look pretty,” or “Dads make the moms do the shopping.” These examples show how early children begin to internalize narrow ideas about gender and how easily these beliefs can reinforce inequality later in life.

Interestingly, research shows that rigid gender roles are not as ancient or “natural” as we might think. Theories suggesting that men and women in the Paleolithic era shared tasks more fluidly, switching roles depending on the environment, were dismissed in the 1970s as “feminist criticism.” Yet, modern studies reveal that both speed and endurance were essential to survival, meaning both genders contributed equally, just in different ways.

So where do these ideas come from? Mostly from us, the adults in children’s lives but also media. From the toys we offer to the language we use, subtle messages shape how children see themselves and others. A large French study following 13,000 children found that by age two, gendered play is already visible: dolls for girls, cars for boys. But it also showed that having an older sibling of the opposite sex can encourage more diverse play, and that mothers tend to promote nontraditional activities more than fathers.

In our classrooms at Le Marmouset, I believe that early education is the perfect place to challenge these stereotypes and nurture open-mindedness. By providing a variety of toys, stories, and role-play opportunities, we encourage children to explore freely, without limits based on gender. When we ask questions, listen without judgment, and celebrate curiosity, we help children develop critical thinking, the foundation for empathy and equality.

As parents and educators, we share the responsibility of creating a world where children feel safe to express who they are. Recognizing that gender awareness starts early allows us to guide them toward a more inclusive, compassionate society, one where every child can grow, learn, and thrive without constraints.

Sources:

“Girls, Worms, and Body Image”

Woman the hunter: The archaeological evidence

Voiture ou poupée ? Le rôle des frères et sœurs dans les jeux genrés des enfants