Gender Roles
Play
In Albert Bandura's theory of Social Learning, one of the topics that stood out was the topic of "play."
The concept of play shows that around age 2 children generally prefer same-sex playmates.
Example:
Tyler is going on a play date with Jarred at the park. While the boys were playing some girls wanted to play the racing game they were playing. While the boys accepted to play with the girls they generally just like playing with the boys around.
Connections To My Story
As a child, I never really enjoyed playing with the girls. I always preferred to play with the boys and I was labeled a "Tomboy." Whole heartedly I was a tomboy through and through.
children usually chose those with similar play styles. The boys would choose to play with me because I would go play in the mud or race them. I had similar play styles as the boys.
Application To My Future Career
As an educator I will take note of who gets along with who. I will notice even if the children do not think I do.
I will always remind the children that it is alright to be different. It is alright to be yourself no matter what. It does not matter what group you fit in with.