An Interview Study of Gender Difference in Preschool Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Children’s Play

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to investigate, identify and describe different ways that female and male preschool teachers conceive, understand and experience play. The research questions addressed are: What perspectives do female and male preschool teachers have on play? Are there differences in play experiences related to gender? The interview study is inspired by phenomenographical research. The sample consisted of ten female and ten male preschool teachers’. The results show differences between female and male preschool teachers’ play willingness. This study found that male preschool teachers contribute with more playfulness, and this is something that both female and male preschool teachers noticed. Female preschool teachers tend to value calm play and emphasize the importance of social development while male preschool teachers accentuate the significance of physical development. All preschool teachers in the study emphasized that it is important to create inspiring environments for play and outdoor play.

Keywords: gender; preschool teacher; play experiences

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1007/s10643-005-4400-x

Affiliations: 1: Mälardalens University, Sweden, Email: anette.sandberg@mdh.se 2: Gothenburg Univesity, Sweden,