Sex or gender identity? Understanding children’s reading choices and motivation

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

The extent to which children’s reading choices could be predicted by their motivation and gender identity was examined. Two hundred and twenty-three children (average age 9 years 11 months) completed questionnaires measuring book reading choices, reading motivation, gender identity (identification with masculine and feminine traits) and a standardised reading assessment. Sex differences were found in children’s reading motivation and reading choices. In addition, feminine traits were more closely associated with reading motivation and engagement with neutral books compared to masculine traits. Whilst children’s sex predicted their choice of reading male- or female-orientated books, the extent to which they identified with feminine traits was a better predictor in choice of neutral books. Results are discussed in relation to previous research examining sex differences in children’s reading choices. In addition, implications for reading activities and choice of books available at school are discussed
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Research in Reading
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2013

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • reading
  • gender
  • motivation

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