Through their Eyes: Stereotypes of Ableism within the Preschool Setting Público
Baden, Carmen (Spring 2021)
Abstract
Children in the United States are exposed to stereotypes of ableism from the moment they
set foot in the preschool classroom, both through intentional and unintentional means. Through
the toys they buy online, the novels they are read, the television shows they watch, and the
playgrounds where they play, preschoolers are inundated with a narrative that appreciates "able
bodies" and shuns "dis-abled bodies." This paper delves into the ways in which toys, books,
television shows, and playgrounds have perpetuated stereotypes of ableism within the world of
American preschoolers. To carry out this avenue of research, this thesis reviews scholarly
publications and websites, as well as analyzes empirical observations. By combining the fields of
Disability Studies, Visual Culture, and Sociology in this analysis of ableism within the preschool
setting, this paper aims to do more than simply scrutinize how we are currently raising
preschoolers. Ultimately, this paper attempts to propose new strategies through which
preschoolers might learn to expel prior stereotypes of ableism in the hopes that every child may
feel included within the classroom in future years.
Table of Contents
Introduction:
Through Our Eyes…………………………………………………………….1
Overview of Thesis……………………………………………………………1
Defining Disability Within This Thesis…………………………………..3
A Brief Note…………………………………………………………………....5
Chapter 1: Ableism
A Note on Language………………………………………………………….7
The History of the Word…………………………………………………….7
Lenses of Observation: Models of Disability……………………………9
The Deep Roots of Ableism………………………………………………..11
Chapter 2: Children’s Toys
Literature Review: A Reflection of Our Current Values……………..13
Mode of Measurement: A Survey of Amazon’s Best-selling Toys…15
“Best Sellers in Pre-Kindergarten Toys”…………………………….....16
“Best Sellers in Dolls”………………………………………………..........17
Positive Examples: “Thank you for making a doll like me!” …..…..18
Chapter 3: Children’s Books
Literature Review: “No fat friend of mine” …………………………….27
Mode of Measurement: “Earth is big enough for all kinds of people.”32
Chapter 4: Children’s Television
Literature Review: “Finding Difference: Nemo & Friends”…………40
Mode of Measurement: “In so many ways, we are the same!”……..41
Chapter 5: Playground Infrastructure
Literature Review: Based on ADA Playground Guidelines……….…49
Mode of Measurement: Surveying Playgrounds in Decatur, Georgia.50
Public Playgrounds……………………………………………..……….....51
Private Playgrounds………………………………………..…………..…..55
Comparison Group: Surveying Playgrounds in Downtown Atlanta.58
Public Playgrounds………………………………………………...……....59
Private Playgrounds…………………………………..…………………....62
Positive Examples: Designed for “All Children” …………………..… 63
Chapter 6: Conclusion
Future Studies: The Need for Neurodiversity Inclusion…………….67
Ableism in Preschool Settings…………………………………………….67
Next Steps: Policies and Practices…………………………………...…..69
Through their Eyes……………………………………………………..……71
About this Honors Thesis
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