“TU É MENINO, TU VAI BRINCAR DE BONECA, É?!” RELAÇÕES DE GÊNERO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL

Abstract

This paper presents some research findings about the existence or absence of a policy and practice of gender equity and against sexism in a pre-school located in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. Interviews were conducted with the principal and two teachers in 2013 aiming to find out about their conceptions of gender relations and associated curricular and pedagogical practices. Classroom observations were also conducted. The analyses of the interviews point at a lack of theoretical knowledge about the issue and, consequently, about the importance of a curricular policy committed to its resolution. They also indicate contradictions and ambiguities in pedagogical practices, confirmed by observations: teachers demonstrate knowledge about the need for such policy and practice, however, they separate and discriminate children by sex and gender.