Whether in books, films or television – children learn role models through the media. This means that through books, series, audio stories, etc., they get an early idea of what girls or boys and families are supposed to be typically like. Often, classic images of strong heroes and princesses are used. Children orient themselves to these role models in order to develop their own personality.
Children identify with characters they like. Around the end of primary school age, gender becomes increasingly important for children’s identity. But as soon as you enter a bookstore, separate book tables convey that boys and girls are fundamentally different.
In German children’s television, there are many more male characters than female ones. Especially animal figures or fantasy creatures are less often female. It is particularly striking that female figures often show unattainable ideals of beauty. The body proportions of Barbie and co. have little to do with human girl or woman bodies. This unrealistic image of female roles conveyed at an early age can lead to great insecurities with one’s own body, especially among girls. Child rearing and household chores are also mostly assigned to women’s roles on television. Male figures are more likely to be seen working outside the family.
In many picture books, a family consists of a woman, a man and a child. In general, fathers often appear in them only as minor characters or not at all. Yet the classic mother-father-child model, in which the mother takes care of the children and the father goes to work, is only one family type among many today. Many children have several caregivers who look after them. This includes, for example, the new partners of the (separated) parents. Same-sex couples with children are also often not depicted in children’s media. And where do the adults who are not in a partnership but still like to take care of their friends’ or family members’ children actually come in?
Professions are an exciting topic for children. Because they help them imagine and shape their future. In doing so, girls and boys take their cue from the professions that men and women have in the stories that their parents read to them or that they see on television. Traditional gender roles in occupations are also portrayed in children’s media. Work involving children and care is more often assigned to women’s roles. They are shown as nurses, teachers or educators, while men are the strong firefighters or have prestigious professions, such as pilots or doctors. Yet the career field for men and women is much more colorful today: Dad can also look after the kids for a while as a househusband, while mom works as a scientist. Due to technical progress, there are many more professions than you see in children’s books or series. Children’s media should also explain what mom and dad actually do all day in the office or at the computer in the home office.
Girls and boys need different role models. A diverse range of children’s media offers children various models for orientation. The little girl in pink does not have to be wrong, but just not always and everywhere the same. Stories that break down typical role models help your child accept themselves for who they are and be tolerant and respectful of others. Classify any questionable gender portrayals by addressing and challenging them.
We have compiled some media tips for you that depict diversity of media characters and no gender stereotypes:
If you want to know more about gender in children’s media, we recommend this parent brochure on dealing with gender roles.
In popular computer games like GTA or Fortnite, you have to fight virtually and use violence to win. Especially boys and men like such games and you would not call them “girls games”. Many games promote stereotypes and prejudices about men or women.
In games such as Grand Theft Auto or Star Stable, typical gender roles are served. Male characters are portrayed strong, brave and heroic. Female characters are mostly emotional and have a gentle character. Girls or women are often only supporting roles in the story of a game. In the process, they are often reduced to their appearance. Extremely short skirts and large breasts contribute to the fact that they are considered sexual objects. If there are female characters in a game and you want to design their appearance before the game starts and adapt it to your own ideas, the possibilities are very limited and always correspond to supposedly valid beauty ideals.
In many games, female characters also take on the role of victims: for example, they are the princess who must be rescued. It is much rarer to have female characters as main characters or even women as heroines of a game. Very famous became the character Lara Croft, but in the game she is portrayed very sexist.
The game Star Stable is about horse riding. Only female characters can be created, which excludes boys from the outset. Instead, it promotes the stereotype that riding is strictly a girl’s thing. The female characters are all stereotypically portrayed. Even if it is positive that a gaming offer recognizes girls as computer game fans, the game is discriminatory.
Overall, women or girls barely feature in gaming culture, even though nearly half of all gamers are female. Female gamers are even often confronted with sexist and misogynistic comments in online games, gaming forums or YouTube comments. When girls play, their skills are often devalued. Comments against other sexual orientations such as homosexuality are also not uncommon.
The predominantly stereotypical portrayal of female characters, as well as male characters, reinforces sexism and expectations of certain gender roles. It has the same effect if female or male roles are simply omitted.
In this context, children and young people take their cues from the media – including games – when it comes to behavior and opinions. Young people can put themselves in different roles when playing games, try things out and communicate with others. For example, boys can also take on the role of a woman or a girl, and girls can take on the roles of a man or a boy.
Categorizing games as boy’s or girl’s games is obstructive. Regardless of gender, your child should be allowed to play any game that interests them. Of course, you should still pay attention to the age classification. Encourage your daughter to play games that are supposedly for boys if she wants to – and vice versa.
Use the occasion to talk with your child about role expectations and images. Encourage it to try different roles in the game than the usual ones. If your son or daughter communicates with other gamers during a game, it can also lead to unpleasant reactions with fellow gamers. Talk to your child about hate speech and support them in standing up for respect and fairness and taking a stand against name-calling.
