Gender stereotypes and biases in primary students: efficacy of a school-based program

Abstract This study evaluated the impact of a school-based pilot program designed to reduce gender stereotypes and biases in fourth-grade school children. The program used multiple strategies to reduce gender stereotypes and biases relating to social roles and to the agency-communion paradigm. It also aimed to improve egalitarian attitudes. One hundred and seventeen students, divided into two groups (control and intervention), were subjected to implicit and explicit measures before and after the program. After the educational program, results showed a significant reduction in gender stereotypes and biases and a significant improvement in gender egalitarian attitudes in the group which participated in the program (the intervention group), but not in the control one. Results discussion focused on the impact of the program for educational practices.