Sure, here is a discussion of the impacts of historically, socially, and culturally constructed stereotypes and biases regarding race and gender on preschool- or school-aged children’s racial and gendered identity, according to Perszyk et al. (2019) and Leonardo and Boas (2021):

Historically constructed stereotypes and biases

Historically, stereotypes and biases about race and gender have been used to justify discrimination and oppression. For example, the stereotype that Black people are lazy and unintelligent has been used to justify slavery and segregation. The stereotype that women are weak and emotional has been used to justify their exclusion from positions of power.

These stereotypes and biases can have a profound impact on children’s racial and gendered identity. Children who are exposed to these stereotypes may begin to believe that they are not as capable or valuable as children of other races or genders. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Socially and culturally constructed stereotypes and biases

In addition to historical stereotypes and biases, children are also exposed to stereotypes and biases that are present in the social and cultural environment. For example, children may see that certain toys or activities are only for boys or girls. They may also see that certain jobs or professions are only for people of certain races.

These socially and culturally constructed stereotypes and biases can have a similar impact on children’s racial and gendered identity as historical stereotypes and biases. Children who are exposed to these stereotypes may begin to believe that they are not as capable or valuable as children of other races or genders. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

Impacts on preschool- or school-aged children’s racial and gendered identity

The impacts of historically, socially, and culturally constructed stereotypes and biases on preschool- or school-aged children’s racial and gendered identity can be far-reaching. These impacts can include:

• Low self-esteem: Children who are exposed to negative stereotypes about their race or gender may begin to believe that they are not as capable or valuable as children of other races or genders. This can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.
• Limited opportunities: Children who are exposed to stereotypes about their race or gender may be limited in the opportunities that they are given. For example, a Black child who is seen as “lazy” may not be given the same opportunities as a White child who is seen as “intelligent.”
• Stereotypical behavior: Children who are exposed to stereotypes about their race or gender may begin to behave in ways that are consistent with those stereotypes. For example, a girl who is seen as “weak” may avoid activities that are seen as “masculine.”
• Internalized oppression: Children who are exposed to stereotypes about their race or gender may begin to internalize those stereotypes. This means that they may come to believe that the stereotypes are true about themselves. This can lead to feelings of powerlessness and hopelessness.

Interventions

There are a number of interventions that can be used to help children develop positive racial and gendered identities. These interventions include:

• Providing positive role models: Children need to see positive role models who reflect their race or gender. This can help them to see that they are capable and valuable.
• Challenging stereotypes: Children need to be taught about the negative impact of stereotypes. They need to be taught that stereotypes are not true and that they should not be used to judge people.
• Promoting diversity: Children need to be exposed to diversity. This can help them to understand that people of different races and genders are just as capable and valuable as they are.

By providing children with positive role models, challenging stereotypes, and promoting diversity, we can help them to develop positive racial and gendered identities. This will help them to reach their full potential and to contribute to a more just and equitable society.