Chapter 2
Chapter 2
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
In this chapter, the theoretical framework is developed to support the research. Relevant
theories are explored, related literature is reviewed, and related studies are examined. The
conceptual framework presents the researcher's own model. Finally, the definition of terms
Relevant Theories
This research draws upon three central theoretical frameworks: Gender Schema Theory,
Social Learning Theory, and Cognitive Developmental Theory. Collectively, these theories
supply an extensive framework for understanding the early development and reinforcement of
gender stereotypes in children. Gender Schema Theory explains how children classify and
internalize societal expectations concerning gender roles. Later on, the Social Learning Theory
elaborates how environmental factors such as parent support, peer influence, and media
influence mold gender-related behaviors and attitudes in the lives of the children. Lastly, the
Cognitive Developmental Theory stresses the various stages at which children undergo while
Sandra Bem's Gender Schema Theory developed in 1981, postulates that children
gender roles. These schemas are derived from cultural and social cues, enabling the child to
categorize people, activities, and functions as either "male" or "female." As these schemas
develop, they eventually influence the children's actions, interests, and opinions, often
reinforcing gender stereotypes as part of self-socialization. This will limit their exploration of
certain things, since they have limited the ideas of toys and activities that relate to their
respective gender.
Gender Schema Theory would be highly relevant in the context of this study since it
would explain how Grade 1 students, aged 6 to 7 years old, internalize and then act on gender
stereotypes. The study focuses on how these stereotypes manifest in areas such as toys, roles,
and activities that are directly aligned with the premise of the theory. Understanding the
schemas would uncover how early perceptions of gender roles form and propose interventions
According to Albert Bandura's 1977 Social Learning Theory, children learn gender-
specific behavior and attitudes by observing and imitating the actions of those role models that
surround them. Influential agents of socialization, such as parents, educators, peers, and media
personalities, play crucial roles in shaping a child's perception of suitable gender roles. This is
done through reinforcement, for example, positive feedback or negative responses, which guide
This theory links to the present study by stressing environmental factors that create
gender stereotypes among Grade 1 pupils. This study will identify the impact of demographic
factors like family status, school environment, and education of parents on the perceptions of
gender. Social Learning Theory offers a view from which external influences such as those
mentioned can be assessed as perpetuators or breakers of gender norms for young minds.
that children undergo sequential stages of cognitive development as they learn to understand
gender. Generally, at around 6 to 7 years of age, children develop the stage known as "gender
constancy," where they understand that gender is a fixed trait and act in accordance with it. All
this is further accompanied by higher rigidity of gendered thinking as children try to meet social
expectations.
This theoretical framework holds significant importance for the current investigation as
it pertains to the developmental phase of the intended participants. Students in Grade 1 are
engaged in a crucial period wherein they are solidifying their understanding of gender identity
and associated roles. The research examines how this cognitive maturation influences the initial
establishment of stereotypes related to toys, roles, careers, and various other domains. This
understanding helps the researchers suggest ways that will help foster more flexible and
In summary, these theories – Gender Schema Theory, Social Learning Theory, and
Cognitive Developmental Theory all point towards a solid groundwork about understanding
the existence and extent of gender stereotypes in Grade 1 students. There is an interlink between
gender stereotyping; this makes them especially suitable for the research. Using these
theoretical frameworks, this research examines how gender stereotypes are formed and what
they are attributed to while concurrently shedding light on potential intervention strategies to
Related Literature
Toys
The study on toys that appeal to both boys and girls. Their work describes this
phenomenon in a more striking way when boys' toys deal with action, construction and
competition and girls' toys with beauty, care and home (Blakemore & Centers,2005). This
division not only maintains all the old stereotypes, but also the preconditions of children's play
styles and their preferences, which address targets from the early years. Also focused on
parental toy encouragement and children's interests in their research (Dinella et al., 2017). This
is the case where when parents allow or praise the use of certain gender-specific toys, such
norms become patterns, and children's places in the shape of interests and behaviors remain.
Researchers have pointed out that parents should be aware of the fact that they hold power,
which if properly applied can reduce and eliminate the threat of gender bias and make children
more open to a variety of concerns. Meanwhile, (Martin & Ruble, 2010) have outlined these
statements and supported them with a study that examined whether toy images penetrate
children's gender schemas and remain there for the rest of their lives. Their study further argued
that children develop their gender concepts through direct interaction with gendered toys in the
A study by Dimaandal & Espineda (in Aina & Cameron, 2011) examines the role of
gender-neutral toy packaging in challenging traditional gender norms for Filipino children aged
3-6. Their research emphasizes the importance of packaging design, which can either reinforce
or defy gender stereotypes. Gender-neutral packaging, they argue, allows children the freedom
to explore interests without the constraints of traditional gender roles. This insight is crucial
for manufacturers and designers, as it advocates for inclusivity in toy design, encouraging
diversity and promoting gender equality among young consumers (Dimaandal & Espineda,
2023).
highlights the ways in which toys like Lego perpetuate gendered expectations. Although Lego
has made attempts at gender-neutral branding, the study finds that certain design elements such
as color, space, and suggested play activities still reinforce traditional gender roles. The study
calls for the promotion of gender-neutral toys to minimize gender policing and encourage more
balanced socialization and play among children, which could also apply to the Philippine
how gendered design elements in toys can shape children's identities. By analyzing toy
packaging from four local toy stores, the study shows how color choices, fonts, and other visual
elements influence whether a toy is seen as "for boys" or "for girls." The research advocates
for more inclusive toy designs that promote equality and dismantle long-standing gender
biases. These studies underscore the significance of toy packaging and design in shaping
children's perceptions of gender and highlight the need for gender-neutral toys that allow for
Role
Gender role stereotypes are pervasive social constructs that shape the behaviors,
preferences, and roles of individuals based on their gender. Stereotypes are reinforced through
the effects of expectation, which influence how parents interact with their children. Parents
may not realize it, but they can push their children into certain activities, skills, and interests
that fit traditional gender roles. Such early exposure to stereotypes not only reinforces
traditional gender roles but also affects children’s self-perception and future career aspirations
These stereotypes not only shape interests and behaviors, they also affect children’s
emotional and social development. The Government of Quebec (2024) points out that such
stereotypes can damage children’s self-esteem and limit the range of things they are interested
in. Children begin to internalize societal norms about gender from an early age, which affects
their developmental trajectory. This early influence can have long-term effects, limiting the
their understanding of social roles. (Martin and Ruble,2004) suggest that children actively
search for gender cues to make sense of their environment. They then classify this information
into “masculine” and “feminine” categories, reinforcing stereotypes through what is known as
gender schema theory. Once children understand their gender, they filter new information to fit
these pre-existing categories, which shapes their preferences and social behaviors.
The early development of gender stereotypes is significant because it sets the stage for
future behaviors and attitudes. Eccles et al. (2000) emphasize that early childhood is a critical
period for socialization, during which children develop basic understandings of gender roles
by the time they reach school age. (Martin and Ruble,2004) add that as children grow older,
their conceptions of gender roles become more detailed and entrenched. These findings
Career
mathematics performance but also on future career choices (Linran Kong, 2023). These
stereotypes often manifest in expectations regarding career paths, with certain professions
traditionally associated with one gender over the other. For example, nursing and teaching are
commonly perceived as female-dominated fields, while engineering and technology are seen
as male-dominated. These stereotypes not only influence societal perceptions but also impact
limitations on career aspirations (Tanisha Kwatra1, 2024). It reveals that both males and
females choose their career under stereotyping perception whereby male jobs are said to
include engineering, building, electrical work, carpentry, managerial jobs, security services,
welding, mining and driving. Female jobs included nursing, catering, designing, teaching,
Characteristics
Gender stereotypes surrounding the characteristics of boys and girls have been widely
studied, highlighting how societal expectations influence the development of gendered traits.
In the global context, Harvard Graduate School of Education (2020) emphasizes that traditional
gender stereotypes narrowly define what it means to be a boy or a girl, with boys expected to
be assertive, strong, and independent, while girls are socialized to be nurturing, cooperative,
and emotionally expressive. These rigid expectations limit children’s freedom to explore their
full potential (Harvard Graduate School of Education, 2020). Similarly, the RSA (2020) report
notes that educational environments often perpetuate these stereotypes, with boys encouraged
to be "strong" and girls expected to be "helpful". Such categorization can restrict children’s
development and reinforce gender inequality, influencing their academic and career aspirations
(RSA, 2020). These findings align with Psychology Today’s (2020) study, which suggests that
the persistence of gendered traits, such as the expectation that boys should be leaders and girls
should be caregivers, continues to shape children’s roles in both the domestic and professional
Locally, in the Philippines, Carlos Anonuevo's study (2000) highlights the societal
expectations that define masculinity and femininity, with men seen as leaders and decision-
makers, while women are expected to play roles that focus on caregiving and homemaking.
This dichotomy continues to influence the roles of men and women in the country, despite legal
nursing students in the Philippines reveals that nursing is still perceived as a feminine
profession, with caregiving and nurturing qualities linked to femininity, while leadership roles
within the field tend to be dominated by men, further reinforcing gender-defined expectations
(International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 2024). Similarly, a gender trait
inventory study in the University of the Philippines (2024) finds that traditional Filipino culture
associates masculinity with strength, leadership, and dominance, while femininity is linked to
being gentle and submissive, further solidifying these gendered stereotypes in society
These studies demonstrate that gender stereotypes about the characteristics of boys and
girls continue to shape both individual identities and societal roles, restricting opportunities
Colors
Gender stereotypes in toys and the color associations linked to them have raised
significant concerns, especially regarding the impact on children’s perceptions of gender roles.
A report by The Fawcett Society reveals that six in ten parents express concerns over gender
stereotyping when purchasing toys for their children. Specifically, the persistent color
dichotomy—pink for girls and blue for boys—is viewed as a major contributor to these
stereotypes. This reinforces the notion that certain colors and, by extension, certain toys, are
shows how deeply ingrained these stereotypes are. A study published in Frontiers in
Psychology explored the gender-color Stroop effect and found that participants took longer to
respond and exhibited lower accuracy when presented with pink–masculine stimuli, as
compared to blue–masculine stimuli. This suggests that even subtle color associations, like
pink for femininity and blue for masculinity, affect cognitive processing and perpetuate gender
revealing that the seemingly arbitrary link between pink and girls, and blue and boys, has
relatively modern origins. Historically, colors were not gendered, but over time, marketing and
societal conventions created these divisions. The article “Colours Don’t Have Gender”
discusses how this segregation of colors, although pervasive, has more recent cultural origins
Play
influenced by gender stereotypes that limit the experiences of boys and girls. Locally, Sagun-
Ongtangco et al. (2023) explored the playground preferences of Filipino children from varying
socioeconomic backgrounds. The study revealed that boys typically engage in street-based,
physical activities like tag, patintero, and Chinese garter, reinforcing traditional views of boys
as active and adventurous. Girls, on the other hand, preferred group-based and structured play,
with concerns about safety playing a significant role in their choices (Sagun-Ongtangco et al.,
outdoor play programs can break down gender norms by providing inclusive environments
where both boys and girls are encouraged to explore diverse roles and activities (Chua et al.,
2007).
documented. It was investigated that social play in playgrounds and found that boys often
participate in competitive and physical activities, while girls gravitate toward cooperative and
relational play. These patterns reflect societal norms that associate masculinity with strength
and leadership, and femininity with nurturing and teamwork (Barbu, Stéphanie, et al., 2023).
On outdoor adventure education, noted that boys are frequently encouraged to take risks and
lead in outdoor activities, while girls are steered toward supportive or secondary roles,
campaign have been launched. This program encourages girls to engage in activities
dismantle the barriers imposed by societal norms and foster confidence and innovation among
young girls (LEGO Philippines, 2024). Additionally, studies have highlighted the need for
inclusive outdoor play strategies that promote gender equity by allowing children to freely
explore roles beyond traditional expectations (LEGO Philippines, 2024; Barbu, Stéphanie, et
al., 2023).
Collectively, these studies and initiatives emphasize the need to provide inclusive play
environments where boys and girls can explore and develop without the constraints of gender
stereotypes.
Education
A child is 1.6 times more likely to read a picture book with a male rather than a female
lead, and seven times more likely to read a story that has a male villain in it than a female
baddie. Male characters outnumbered female characters in more than half the books, while
females outnumbered males less than a fifth of the time (Gestetner, 2018). They find that girls
and young women are still more likely to choose subjects which conform to the norms and
roles associated with females, such as performing arts and health and social care. Boys and
young men on the other hand are more likely to choose subjects which align with traditionally
male gender norms and roles such as physics and computing (Thompson, 2023).
Related Studies
Toys
Focused on the toy choices of older children and conducted a meta-analysis of
British children and young people living in the US to see how boys and girls differ in the way
they choose toys, fully understanding the cultural context and historical background of such
differences. According to the findings of this research, a tendency is evident for boys to prefer
toys related to action, construction, and vehicles while girls seem to favor beauty, care, or
household toys. These patterns indicate the potential for early gender role formation due to
ongoing socialization that can be seen from childhood (Cherney and London, 2020).
Furthermore, while some gender-neutral preferences are on the rise, the data shows a
prevalence of commonly gendered toys that indicates the continued prevalence of social and
cultural influences.
perspective (Auster and Mansbach, 2020). Such insights led them to look at the types of
gendered toys prevalent in the market by examining the Disney Store online shop. Their
research found that marketing tactics often reinforce traditional gender roles: girls’ toys are
often colored pink or purple to focus on beauty, nurturing, or domesticity, while boys’ toys are
painted in primary colors and target adventure, combat, or construction themes. The study also
addressed the effects of these marketing policies on children’s audiences and how they may
Finally, they examined the children's use of gender stereotypes in making social
judgments about toys in their study "Toy Stories: Children's Use of Gender Stereotypes in
Making Social Judgments." The research found that children often associate specific toys with
gender-specific characteristics, forming opinions about their peers accordingly. For example,
boys who played with dolls were considered less masculine, while girls who played with cars
were considered challenging gender norms. These findings highlight the powerful role of early
Gleason,2023)
Role
In the study titled "Helpful Girls and Strong Boys: Gender Stereotyping in Schools"
(2020), researchers explored how gender stereotypes, such as the perception of girls as
caregivers and boys as providers, are deeply embedded in early education settings. The
researchers pointed out that classrooms, textbooks, and the general curriculum often reinforce
these traditional roles. A pilot program in primary schools in the UK demonstrated that
strategies effectively reduced biases among students and broadened their perspectives on
gender roles
In the article "Tackling Gender Inequality From the Early Years" (2023), UNICEF
examined the impact of gender stereotypes on children in pre-primary education. They found
that children are exposed to gender biases through interactions with teachers and the learning
materials they use, which shape their expectations and dreams for the future. The research
In addition, in their research titled "Parental Positive Affect and Negative Affect in
Same- and Different-Sex Parent Families: No Associations with Parental Gender and
gender roles on early childhood development (Ellis-Davies, M. et al. ,2022). They found that
children from traditional households, where mothers are the primary caregivers and fathers are
the primary providers, are more likely to adopt these stereotypes. It also showed that such
gendered roles are influenced by social expectations and early family interactions, which may
become more evident in the early years of primary education as children observe and absorb
family dynamics.
Career
Characteristics
Colors
Play
Activity Exposure
Education
Conceptual Framework
INPUT PROCESS
1. How may the demographic
profile of the respondents be
1. Determining the
respondents needed
OUTPUT
described in terms of: using:
1.1. Survey
1.1. Age; and
4. Quantitative
Figure 1, shows the input, process, and output of the IPO model of the study. The first
box interprets the demographic profile of the respondents including their age, sex, religion, and
the researcher. The study integrated a mixed method to obtain complete information by using
Lastly, the last column has the output of the study after the researcher completed
Definition of Terms
Gender. Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors, attributes, and expectations
associated with being male or female. In this study, gender is considered as a category used to
examine how children associate activities, roles, and preferences with boys or girls based on
societal norms.
Stereotype. A stereotype is a widely held but oversimplified belief or idea about a particular
group of people. In this study, a stereotype refers to fixed assumptions or expectations that
Gender Stereotype. Gender stereotypes are specific beliefs and expectations about the roles,
behaviors, and attributes that are deemed appropriate for males and females.
Grade 1 Students. Grade 1 students refer to children enrolled in the first grade of elementary
school, typically aged 6 to 7 years. These students are in the early stages of their formal
education, where they are beginning to form their understanding of gender roles and
participants refer others to the study, creating a “chain” of respondents. For this research,
snowball sampling is used to recruit Grade 1 students from specific barangays in Dinalupihan,
can be traditionally gender-typed. For example, dolls may be considered more suitable for girls,
while trucks and action figures may be stereotypically considered for boys.
Roles. Roles refer to the expected behaviors and responsibilities assigned to individuals based
on their gender, such as who is expected to perform household tasks or care for others. In this
study, roles are defined as activities or occupations that children associate with being either a
boy or a girl, such as the expectation that girls care for children and boys fix broken items
Career. Career refer to the professional roles that children believe are suitable for males and
females. This study investigates how Grade 1 students perceive certain professions as either
“masculine” or “feminine,” such as associating nursing with women and engineering with men
Characteristics. Characteristics are the personality traits or behaviors that children associate
with either males or females, such as emotionality, strength, or leadership. For example, being
caring might be stereotypically seen as a trait for girls, while being assertive or strong might
Colors. Colors refer to the preference or association of certain colors with a particular gender.
This study examines how children associate colors like pink and pastel colors with girls, while
Play. Play refers to the recreational activities that children engage in, which can be gender-
typed. Activities such as playing with dolls, playing sports, or role-playing as firefighters are
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