Growing Up Equal

Growing Up Equal

By Khen Sroem

A. Look at the title and the introductory paragrah.

GROWING UP EQUAL 

When we treat a boy as if he is stronger, smarter, and more capable than a girl, both children may end up believing us. ​

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Most parents want their sons and daughters to have equal chances at success as they venture into the world. Today, equality of the sexes is largely mandated by public policy and law. However, outmoded ideas about gender are still deeply rooted in our culture. Biased attitudes about sex differences pose challenging questions for parents.  

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1. What is the text about?

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2. Who is the text aimed at?

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3. What is the writer's point of view?

Think of the following questions.

1. Do we (males & females) grow up equal?

2. Do we raise our children equally?

3. What gender stereotypes are you familiar with? List them here.

4. Do teachers/parents tend to treat boys and girls differently? ​

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1. Do we (males & females) grow up equal?

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2. Do we raise our children equally?

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3. What gender stereotypes are you familiar with? List them here.

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4. Do teachers/parents tend to treat boys and girls differently? ​

While you read

Think about these questions.

1. What problem is the text about?

2. Does the writer give reasons for the problem?

3. Does the writer suggest any solutions? ​

After You Read

a. How much did you understand?

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1. Paragraph 1: Type the sentences that say: Equal opportunity between the sexes is what the majority want for their children. Some people still have old-fashioned ideas about the sexes.

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2. Paragraph 2: Which gender stereotype about girls does the writer describe?

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3. Paragraph 3: What did the researchers find out about boys and girls in the classroom?

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4. Paragraph 4: Does the writer think that it is bad for girls to play house?

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5. According to the writer, should there be activities that are appropriate for only one sex?

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6. Paragraph 5: What are the effects of gender stereotypes on boys and girls?

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7. Paragraph 6: Which sex worked more in caring for children?

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8. Paragraph 7: In what areas does the writer think girls need encouragement? Why?

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9. Paragraph 8: What is the mother worried about?

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10. Paragraph 9: What message do stereotypes give to girls? Does the writer think this is a good message? What does the writer think parents should do?

After You Read

b. Text Analysis Questions

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1. What is the general attitude towards equal opportunity of the sexes? (p.1)

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2. What does the writer claim about our society's attitude to gender? (p.1)

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3. How does the writer define "gender stereotypes"? (p.2)

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4. What do the examples of "feminine" and "masculine" in p.2 demonstrate?

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5. Explain the following quote in the context of p.3: "... boys and girls are often treated differently in the classroom.

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6. What does the writer present in p.5? What function does it serve?

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7. List the solutions that the writer suggests for overcoming female stereotypes. (p.8-9)

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8. What is the writer's aim in this aritcle? Is there a message?

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9. Explain this quote in the context of paragraphs 5-7. "Female stereotypes discourage girls from acquiring many skills that will allow them to become economically independent" (p.5)