This article focuses on social skills in which there is a disparity between male and female performance, including leadership, self-confidence, emotional sensitivity, empathy, and prosocial behaviors. Guidelines for educators to use in helping students overcome sex bias are offered. (MT)

A study of two elementary basal reading series found that, although the proportion of female main characters has increased, it was still less than that of males. Also, fewer men than women were depicted in nontraditional roles. (FG)

Describes how the traditional, agressive male role has been reinforced by social studies textbooks. The author recommends that teachers teach about new roles for males by presenting images of males in caring, nurturing, and expressive roles. (AM)

Main characters were portrayed in nontraditional roles in stories presented to 4th, 7th, and 11th grade students. A total of 172 students read a set of four stories, each of which had two versions, one with a male main character and one with a female main character. Thus, the same stories were used to depict traditional and nontraditional sex…

This paper presents the results of an evaluation study of a sex equity program designed to affect the achievement and attitudes of early adolescent students in the middle school. The Self-Concept and Decision-Making Middle School Curriculum Program at Florida State University developed sex equity curricular materials titled "Decisions About…

A total of 172 students in 4th, 7th, and 11th grades read 4 stories excerpted from reading and social studies materials featuring main characters as either traditional or nontraditional females, or traditional or nontraditional males. The study sought to determine (1) the impact of male main characters in nontraditional roles on student's sex-role…

This study was conducted to address gaps in the research on gender characteristics of reading materials. Pupils in grades 4, 7, and 11 read four narratives, one for each of four sex role conditions. Neither comprehension nor interest was diminished by the use of sex-fair materials. (Author/LMO)

The results of synthesizing 40 studies regarding the effects of gender characteristics of instructional materials on students indicate that sex-equitable materials can improve both male and female students' learning experiences and assist in developing gender-balanced associations and more flexible sex role attitudes. Effects on preference and…

Recent research investigating the effects of sexism in elementary school textbooks on readers is reviewed to determine children's responses in terms of reading preferences, sex-role attitudes and behaviors, and comprehension abilities. The degree of sexism in textbooks was determined by the proportion of female main characters, the presentation of…