Yes, there are some very important differences between male and female, but this column seeks to perpetuate stereotypes and inequality. Which toys is Annalise claiming are 'girl's toys' and 'boy's toys', for example? This delineation already places values on playthings. It is more socially acceptable for girls to play with 'boy's toys' but not vice versa - try giving a pink blanket to a baby boy to witness the parent's, grandparent's, or society's response, to see where the child learns these attitudes so early on.
As nursery workers and childcarers, isn't one of our roles to broaden a child's horizons and opportunities rather than restrict them? We agree with Annalise's comments about the curriculum, but it affects girls as well as boys. One of the reasons girls might avoid outdoor play is because the boys there are being allowed to dominate the space. If 'boys naturally prefer very physical and noisy activities', what does this say about boys who are neither physical nor noisy? And does this mean equally that men who work with children or women who work on building sites are in some way 'unnatural'?
Studies show that girls are now outperforming boys academically. But isn't it time we recognise and value the fact that academic achievement is only a tiny part of who we are, and shouldn't children and caring be valued more highly?
Clair Barnard and six others, Gender Issues and Childhood Group, Early Childhood Project, Hove, West Sussex
