Gender representation and stereotypes in children's books Introduction: This article focuses on how society's perception of male and female roles affects literature for children in America and how those roles have changed slightly over the years. from 1970 to the present. Recent research on gender stereotypes in children's literature will be discussed. As the roles of women and men have changed over the years, so has the portrayal of characters in children's books. Since 1970, more women have entered the workforce and become more successful in their work outside the home. They became bolder in proclaiming their equality with men. As a result, children's books became a subject of controversy and gradually began to reflect this new function in gender equality. Although society's views of women and men have changed, the illustrations, use of language, and female or male representation in children's book titles have not correlated with advancement. of gender equality in America. society when it comes to children's picture books is a gender stereotype. Gender bias impacts how children perceive what is socially acceptable (Hamilton, Anderson, Broaddus, & Young, 2006). Around the age of 3, children begin to realize that there is a difference between themselves and the opposite sex. From the age of 5, they have created stereotypes associated with gender (Turner-Bowker, 1996). At this age, children also begin to separate and form their identities (Gooden & Gooden, 2001). These stereotypes affect how young children perceive appropriate roles and behaviors. According to Beal, "gender is a REPRESENTATION OF GENDER AND STEREOTYPES Both cultural and individual...... middle of paper ......rk: Oxford University Press. Kortenhaus, CM and Demarest, Jack. (1993-02-01). Gender role stereotypes in children's literature: an update. Sex Roles, 28(3), 219. Paynter, K.C. (2011). Gender stereotypes and the representation of female characters in children's picture books. (Order No. 3481767, Liberty University). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 119. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/907252720?accountid=13158. (907252720).Rowell, E. H. (2007). Missing! picture books reflecting gay and lesbian families. YC Young Children, 62(3), 24-25,27-30. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197629126?accountid=13158Turner-Bowker, D. (1996). Stereotypical gender descriptors in children's picture books: Does the "curious jane" exist in literature? Sex Roles, 35(7-8), 461-488. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/225376813?accountid=13158