How to be Masculine in the Block Area

This article focuses on the social interactions of several boys aged 3-5 years in the block area of a preschool classroom in a childcare setting. Using transcripts of video segments showing these boys engaged in daily play and interactions, the article analyses two episodes that occurred in the firs...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Childhood (Copenhagen, Denmark) Denmark), 1998-05, Vol.5 (2), p.151-175
Main Authors: DANBY, SUSAN, BAKER, CAROLYN
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Blocks
Conflict
Day Care
Males
Masculinity
Peer Groups
Peer Influence
Peer Relationship
Preschool boys
Preschool Children
Preschool Education
Queensland
Sex Role
Sexual Identity
Social interaction
Socialization
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Summary:This article focuses on the social interactions of several boys aged 3-5 years in the block area of a preschool classroom in a childcare setting. Using transcripts of video segments showing these boys engaged in daily play and interactions, the article analyses two episodes that occurred in the first weeks of the school year. At first glance, both episodes appear chaotic, with little appearance of order among the players. A closer analysis reveals a finely organized play taking place, with older boys teaching important lessons to the newcomers about how to be masculine in the block area. These episodes illustrate that masculinity is not a fixed character trait, but is determined through practice and participation in the activities of masculinity. Play and conflict are the avenues through which this occurs.
ISSN:0907-5682
1461-7013
DOI:10.1177/0907568298005002004