This study examined whether toy preferences of 20-month-old children exhibit cross-sex asymmetry, whether toy preferences are modified in a modelling situation, and whether children's familiarity with toys is related to toy preferences. (GO)

This study investigated whether (a) awareness of sex typing in literature exists in preschool children; (b) children express sex role character preferences; and (c) their recall was affected by reversed sex roles. (ED)

An observational analysis of the male and female role models presented on 10 commercially produced children's programs revealed striking sex differences in (1) the number of roles portrayed; (2) the behaviors portrayed; and (3) the behavior consequences experienced. Possible implications related to stereotyped sex role development are discussed.…

The likelihood that females designate persons of the opposite sex as models more often than do males was investigated. Subjects, 61 boys and 64 girls from the sixth grade, plus 52 males and 83 female college students, indicated which other person, past or present, they would most like to be. Approximately 25% of females designated male models…

In rating the appropriateness of nontraditional jobs for men and women, indications are that students' attitudes can be changed by exposure to nontraditional models. The study of written job descriptions which were rated by students analyzes male and female sex-typed attitudes and beliefs about appropriateness of gender to career. (CM)

Thirty-five second-graders and their parents responded to measures of sex-role adoption, concepts, and preference. Classroom teachers rated children's sex-role adoption. Both adults and children had clear sex differences on means of measures of sex-role preference and adoption. (Author/SJL)

The ways in which women tend to be disadvantaged in computing courses are examined. The apparent technology-centeredness of computing, the emphasis accorded mathematics as well as narrow problem solving skills and the undervaluing of broadly based problem solving and communication skills are discussed. (Author/MLW)

A great deal of received wisdom in the area of the lack of ability of women in science is still based on assumption, belief, or prejudices operating at the level of superstition. The "Snark Syndrome," a term inspired by Lewis Carroll's famous nonsense poem. "The Hunting of the Snark" was coined by Eileen Byrne to describe these…

A study of women and men in higher education administration revealed more liberal attitudes towards sex characteristics and sex-role images. Sex was not a significant factor in evaluations of women and men as administrators. Individuals with liberal attitudes were more likely to evaluate men and women equally.

The content and process of incidental learning of sex role related characteristics through play behavior was explored in a study of more than 6000 toys sold by Sears, Roebuck & Company between 1900 and 1970, as represented in their mail order catalogs. Sixty percent of all toys were sex typed by Sears. The nature of the play behavior…

Student attitudes and sex stereotypes were investigated in high schools with male and female principals to ascertain whether experiencing women in leadership roles related to greater student acceptance of women's capabilities. Boys, significantly more than girls, believed women lack leadership characteristics, regardless of the principal's gender.…

This article explores some of the major influences affecting the development of female sex-role identity and the psychological and social consequences of this deveopment during childhood and adolescence. (Author/EB)

A two-part study investigated female college students' preferences for stereotyped or nonstereotyped role models and the relationship of such preferences to the choice of traditional versus nontraditional careers. A total of 211 women students from a mid-Atlantic state university (all the enrolled women) as well as a stratified-by-college…

Reviews and compares "Gender and Mathematics" edited by Leone Burton and Valerie Walkerdine's book "Schoolgirl Fictions" on proposed truths related to gender issues in mathematics. Issues include (1) attention given to boys and girls in mathematics class; (2) the effects of noncompetitive classroom environments; and (3) sex differences in…