An investigation of picture story books published for preschool children in terms of gender role and stereotyping

In this study, picture story books were analyzed in terms of gender stereotypes and it was aimed to draw attention to the elements related with sexism in the contents and illustrations of the books. The study is a qualitative study. 70 picture books, purchased from different publishers in different times, were analyzed. Picture books were chosen from the books published for children of 3-6 ages. Data were collected through document analysis method, one of the qualitative data collection methods. Book tags were written for each picture book and books were analyzed by using "Text Analysis Form" and "Picture Analysis Form" developed by the researcher. Data were collected by analyzing gender clues like the sex of author and illustrator, the name of the book, family structure, profession, activity, game, toy, area of interest, personal characteristics, place, characters in the book, physical appearance, accessories, clothes, etc. The data collected were analyzed with content analysis method. As a result of the analyses, it was detected as follows: The representation rates of men and women are closer to each other. Women are illustrated in various professions thought as professions of men. The sexes of authors and illustrators of picture books for children between the ages of 3 and 6 are mostly women. Furthermore, it can be said that gender stereotypes still exist in favor of men in the codes of activity, game, toy and area of interest. In conclusion, although gender stereotypes for women and men in picture books decrease, they still exist. Keywords: picture story books, early childhood, gender stereotypes