Schoolyards, gender and childhood: an investigation in the framework of the geographies of childhood

Abstract

This article presents the main results of a research carried out in a primary school in Granollers (Barcelona) with the participation of teachers and students. The research shows how traditionally female and male gender roles are reproduced in schoolyards, and proves that gender-based exclusion phenomena exist, based on sex stereotypes and gender hierarchy. The purpose of this participatory action research is to organize a method of gender diagnosis and intervention in school yards, which is easily reproducible to promote behavior change inside and outside the school.

Key words: children’s geographies, gender, school yard, participatory action research.