Working Through the Problems of Play

Although play is an act that many, if not all, children will participate in at some point in their lives, there are still problems that occur while playing. Bullying and exclusion are two major factors, but one that we may not think or care to address is a very important one: sexism.

Often we think of sexism as only affecting our adult lives, what with unequal wages and discrimintation within the workplace. However, sexism is also prevalent (and often rampant) in the lives of children. Girls (and boys) are excluded from games because "this game isn't for them." They are told they can't spend time with a certain group because "they don't belong." Forming gender-specific games or groups seems like a thing of the past for adults, but children still do this regularly.

With all we are trying to do to promote equal rights for both sexes, why not start from the ground up? Why not teach children, when they are young, not to make decisions or assumptions based on gender? This way, they will grow up with a more equal mindset.