The construction of the feminine and masculine in the process of taking care of children in day-care centers

Abstract

In this study, which has a qualitative approach and is based on Pierre Bourdieu's conception of habitus, was aimed to investigate how the feminine and masculine genders are built in the process of taking care of children in a day-care center located in Rio Grande/RS. After submittion and approval of the project by the Ethics Committee, the data were collected during the months March and April from 2006 by observation registered in a field diary, as well as photographs and interviews with caretakers. The content analysis showed that these people are affectionate and solicitous with both girls and boys. They believe that children care is an instinctively feminine attribute, and that men need apprenticeship for this. Observations and photographs showed up that, apparently or not, gender stereotypes are fixed in children's minds, and that care process is constantly permeated by them.

Key words: Child care; Gender identity; Child Education; Community health nursing.