Diferenças de gênero em crianças: uma comparação entre diferentes metodologias

Abstract

There is an extended literature about sexual dimorphism in child behavior, including studies regarding atypical gender patterns or gender non-conformity. This study proposal was elaborated upon discussions about the relation between gender and homosexual behavior. However, it was noted the need to broaden the knowledge over child gender differences through different methodologies in the investigation of gender typical behavior and the influence of these differences upon children social relations. There were made three studies. In the first one, the methodologies of observation and interview were compared, in which it was verified that most playful behaviors occurred among children of the same sex and that some were more common for a specific gender. It was also observed that the contend of interviews were culturally influenced. In the second study two structured instruments were applied to measure gender, being found that there are some plays preferred by each sex and that the child usually identify itself and prefer to play with children of the same sex. In the third study the non-verbal behavior of mixed dyads was analyzed using three different protocols. The results indicated differences between sexes regarding behaviors but the communication effort and the rapport was similar. In general, it was found that there are many similarities in the general behavior between sexes, however in deeper analysis it is possible to identify specific patterns of each gender, especially regarding play styles and non-verbal behavior. Finally, the methods used have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing and combining methodologies for future researches.