Final answer:
Campbell et al's findings challenge Gender Schema Theory by implying that children with high gender knowledge should prefer gender-conforming behaviors, but in reality, they do not always do so. The contradiction highlights the complexity of how children learn and express gender roles, influenced by family and societal expectations, with alternative approaches like Egalia preschool offering a different perspective.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Gender Schema Theory (GST), Campbell et al's findings contradict the expectation that if children have high levels of gender knowledge, they should prefer gender-conforming behaviors. GST posits that children's preferences and behaviors are influenced by their understanding and internalization of societal gender norms. From an early age, children learn gender roles through socialization, with influences coming from parents, peers, and media. They are likely to choose activities and toys that conform to these norms because of positive feedback from parents for gender normative behavior.
However, research has suggested that strict adherence to gender norms is not always observed. When discussing the interaction of gender and play, it is mentioned that boys and girls are often given different types of toys that reinforce traditional gender roles. Boys receive toys that are associated with motor skills and aggression, while girls are given toys that encourage nurturing and social play. Yet, parental expectations, especially fathers, may encourage gender conformity, suggesting a more complex picture of children's gender-based preferences.
One alternative approach to gender socialization is seen in the Egalia preschool in Sweden, which strives to remove societal gender norms from the educational environment. This demonstrates that there are efforts underway to challenge traditional concepts of gender socialization and provide a balance between gender conformity and diversity.