Football, Dance, Dolls and Toy Cars: Comparative Analysis Between Switzerland and Spain in Relation to Gender Stereotypes Among Primary School Pupils

Abstract

Carried out in the context of a PEERS project between Lausanne and Barcelona, the aim of this study was to compare the place of gender stereotypes among young pupils educated in Swiss and Spanish schools. These stereotypes were measured in relation to sporting activities (football and dance) and in relation to toys (dolls and toy cars). Questionnaires were distributed to the pupils of both countries (n = 120) and focus groups were set up (n = 9). The results show that a large majority of pupils adhere to gender stereotypes and that they separate activities into two categories: male (football and toy cars) and female (dance and dolls). Some differences emerge between the two countries, the Spanish pupils adhering to gender stereotypes in a more pronounced way than the Swiss. At school, action against stereotypes should be developed to allow each and every pupil to engage freely and confidently in all activities.