Teachers' Reinforcement of Sex-Preferred Behaviors in Dutch Preschools

Abstract

4-yr.-old children were observed in three Dutch preschools. Significant sex differences in play were found in all schools. These differences were similar to those reported in studies of American preschools. In contrast to American preschool teachers who have been reported to reinforce feminine-preferred behaviors for both boys and girls, these Dutch preschool teachers reinforced children for behaviors preferred by their own sex.