From: Jennifer S.
This is a picture of my son Jordan at four years old. I chose this picture because he is mimicking chores that are known to be done by men. There are certain things labeled in society as a "man's chore" such as mowing the grass, taking out the trash, running errands, etc. Through my reading it states that boys' chores permit more independence than girl chores. Boys that grow up to be men are taught that they must be "the man" of the household. Boys are taught to be strong and do not cry. Looking at Jordan in the picture he has a look of confidence on his face and he is focused on the lawn ahead of him. He was so focused that he never knew I took this picture. I love the silhouette of Jordan on the fence it shows his young age and innocence. I took this picture of Jordan at a downward angel to show the chore of cutting the grass is a huge responsibility for a man. Whereas by looking at the picture he appears so small. Young boys look up to their fathers and want to replicate all of their activities. Jordan watching his father mowing the grass he has learned to stay away from the fence and to go around the bush. I felt it was important to show these two objects in the picture to give you an idea of how much he has learned from watching his father cut the grass. Children (particularly boys) watch every move of a male figure in their lives and in some way act it out according to what they see. Little boys acting out what they have seen gives them a since of involvement and makes them feel like young men. I remember when I went to buy Jordan the lawn mower and there was also the option of pink and purple mowers. He ran and grabbed the red, yellow, and blue mower saying "Mommy this one is it". Seeing the options that he had and knowing that he picked the "boy" mower showed me that he is aware of the difference between boy and girl toys. It is amazing how children as young as four can distinguish between girl and boy toys just by the color.
8 comments:
I have say this theory is something they learn at home. I remember my daugher coming to me at the age of 3 and asking for a lawnmower as I am the one who takes care of the yard work and takes out the trash. My husband is a marine is very often off in iraq or afganistan fighting for his country. Meanwhile my children see me doing everything and my daughter associates this chore with me.
-Depaor1- My husband too is in the military. I find myself doing things that would also be considered "boys/men chores". This theory is usually taught at home but I think it is fair to say that boys usually follow in their father's foot steps and girl's in their mother's foot steps.
I agree with you, it just underscores the influence that parents have on their children. The question is whether parents will recognize their influence and teach their children to be strong and independent or will they cede that influence and allow the tv or other to replace them.
-Depaor1-Parents have to teach right from wrong. I personally refuse to allow the media to teach my child. Children are influenced by so much. We as parents have to step in and mediate our children and the things in which our children are subjected to. Such as t.v. viewing, the friends in which they hang out with, and the influence we as parents show our children.
I think that this is a great example of gender roles starting early. I have notcied with my own family that my father does outside duties and my mother takes care of inside duties. I think that this is why. Toys like lawn mowers are typically played with by boys while laundry machines and kitchen toys are typically played with by girls. This is setting up the future gender scripts. Which is true in the case of my family.
This shows the stereotype people create between boys and girls jobs. Boys are seen doing the yard work so these are the toys created for boys even at such a young age. Mainly girls chore toys are kitchen sets. Jobs are distinguished between boys and girls at a very young age.
I agree with Jennifer that there are definitely female and male chores. This picture enforces the idea that boys and girls are socialized differently and it starts at an early age. Boys are expected to the physical labor required around the household while girls are expected to do things like cooking, cleaning and laundry. I think it is important for children to have chores but I think girls and boys should have experience in both aspects of chores.
This picture shows how young boys already know what they are meant to at this young age.They know that they are meant to do all the hard work women "cannot" do.
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