Gender-Typed and Gender-Segregated Play Among Tanzanian Hadza and Congolese BaYaka Hunter-Gatherer Children and Adolescents

Bibliographic Collection: 
APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Lew-Levy, Sheina; Boyette, Adam H.; Crittenden, Alyssa N.; Hewlett, Barry S.; Lamb, Michael E.
Year of Publication: 2019
Journal: Child Development
Date Published: 2019/09/25
Publication Language: eng
ISBN Number: 0009-3920
Abstract:

Few data exist on gender-typed and gender-segregated play in hunter-gatherer societies, despite their unique demographic and cultural features which may influence children?s gendered play. Using naturalistic observations of Hadza (N = 46, 41% female) and BaYaka (N = 65, 48% female) hunter-gatherer 3- to 18-year-olds from Tanzania and the Republic of Congo, we showed that access to playmates was negatively associated with playing in mixed-gender groups. Young boys did not engage in more rough-and-tumble play than girls, but adolescent boys participated in this type of play more than adolescent girls. Children were also more likely to participate in work-themed play which conformed to gender norms within their society. Findings are discussed within the context of gendered division of labor, child autonomy, and demography.

Notes:

doi: 10.1111/cdev.13306

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13306
Short Title: Child Development
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