Question

A caregiver for the last five years, Miguel is faced with a dilemma when a new director comes into the program. He loves his job but has some disagreements with the new guidelines this director has given to staff members. One statement says, “There should be a major emphasis on using a wide variety of art materials, and all children should be strongly urged to participate.” Miguel thinks that art is fine for the girls, but boys need more time to play sports and shouldn’t be expected to paint or dance.

1. If you were the director of this program, what would you say to Miguel?
2. Why do you think Miguel has this attitude toward art?
3. Can you suggest activities Miguel could plan that would attract the boys?

Answer 1

I would tell Miguel that no skill is exclusive for a particular gender, so including everyone would give them enough exposure to everyone to the arts because each individual is different and there is no guarantee that the girls would do well in arts. Exposing them to arts would kindle the interest among the children. Miguel thinks in this way because he has gender stereotypical views. He has been raised in a society where women are treated as soft and men are encouraged to engage in hard tasks. So, this softness is what made Miguel think that arts is for girls and boys should engage in more tough tasks. Involving children in the arts would help them kindle their creativity and would help them build their imagination. So, involving boys would mean to give them more adventurous arts in drawing, painting and sculpting. Boys could also engage in drama and acting.

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