In Allure Magazine, February 1999, page 73
Beginning in preschool, girls are told to be quiet much more often
than boys; as a result, they find it difficult to speak up for
themselves as grown women. That's the conclusion of a study done
by sociologist Karin A. Martin of the University of Michigan in
Ann Arbor. Three times a week for eight months, Martin observed
112 three-to-five-year-olds and 14 teachers in five preschool
classes.
Although boys were much noisier than girls, the girls were told
to speak softly or to use a "nicer" voice about three times more
often. When the girls did so, they also toned down their physical
gestures when they were playing or trying to express themselves.
The teachers were inadvertently instructing the girls "that their
bodies are supposed to be quiet, small, and physically constrained,"
writes Martin, who says that's one reason women often feel powerless
as adults. She also notes that the teachers discouraged loudness in
girls -- but not boys -- who were trying to resolve a dispute.
"Women are reluctant to use their voices to protect themselves from
a variety of dangers," says Martin. The consequence, she adds, is
that they become afraid to speak out or fight back."
Forwarded by lpurring@earthlink.net
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