Reassessing Early Childhood Literature for Quality Education and Gender Equality in the Context Of SDGs

Objective: The objective is to study the gender stereotypes learnt knowingly or unknowingly by children through nursery rhymes and to highlight the problematic areas to revamp for providing quality education which focuses on a more gender equal society considering the Sustainable Development Goals. Theoratical Framework: We engage in the theory of social construction by Butler and the developmental theory of Vygotsky to propose that if the literature taught in childhood is rich and diverse the chances of developing gender sterotypes by individuals reduces to a great extent. Method: The focus of the study is the nursery rhymes taught at pre-schools and primary schools. Data was collected through interviews and questionnaire with teachers at various schools in Ahmedabad (a city in the state of Gujarat, India). The method of critical discourse analysis is used to analyse the rhymes and bring forth the implicit gender hegemony. Results & Discussion: The analysis underscores the subtle yet potent role of language, especially nursery rhymes, in reinforcing traditional gender norms and expectations, thus influencing children's understanding of appropriate behaviours based on gender. The study highlights gender stereotypes, particularly about the interaction of one gender with the other, focusing on the depiction of dependency and power dynamics in relationships. It depicts women as dependent and men as dominant reflecting societal gender inequalities. Research implications: This study calls for a reassessment of nursery rhymes to promote diversity and positive values through quality education, urging educators to update content to align with modern views on gender equality. Originality/ Value: There has not been sufficient research done on nursery rhymes taught in schools with the aim of reducing/removing gender stereotypes aiming for quality education with the goal of achieving a gender fair society in the context of Sustainable Development Goals.