The Influence of the Kindergarten Teacher on Sex Differences in Behavior

Abstract

The effect of the teacher on choice of activities of boys and girls in a German kindergarten is examined and her differential attraction for boys and girls is considered. The results indicate that the presence of the kindergarten teacher has a marked impact on boys' and girls' activity choices, thereby reducing the differences in boys' and girls' preferences for certain activities. The data also suggest that the teacher has a stronger attraction for girls than for boys. Possible influencing factors are discussed. The presence of the teacher is suggested to be a variable worth considering in kindergarten studies to give us further insights into children's behavior.

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