Sex Role Socialization in Picture Books: An Update

J. Allen Williams Jr., University of Nebraska - Lincoln
JoEtta A. Vernon, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Martha C. Williams, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Karen Malecha, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Document Type Article

Published in SOCIAL SCIENCE QUARTERLY 68:1 (March 1987), pp.148-156. Copyright © 1987 Southwestern Social Science Association. Used by permission.

Abstract

In a content analysis of children's picture books, Weitzman et al. (1972) found females depicted far less often than males, and those females who were included tended to play traditional, stereotyped roles. The present study updates this research. Findings indicate that, while the ratio of females to males is now closer to parity, storybook characters continue to walk the well-worn paths of tradition.