Gender Factor in Cartoons for Basic Education Students

The research is aimed to examine the cartoons for early childhood in terms of gender roles. The data of the research, which was carried out using the qualitative research method, are "Keloğlan", "Dört x 4'lü", "Elif ve Arkadaşları", "Rafadan Tayfa", "Elif'in Düşleri", "Kardeşim Ozi" and "Aslan" broadcast on TRT Çocuk channel. By watching seven episodes of seven cartoons examined within the scope of the research, the total of 49 episodes were evaluated within the scope of the "Cartoons for Preschool Children's Evaluation Form in terms of Gender". The determined items are presented in tables. Some of the findings are that in the cartoons examined within the scope of the research, male characters are more common than female characters, mostly female characters are more involved in housework, male characters are more in repair and gardening. It shows that the colors preferred in the clothes of the characters are gendered and there are color preferences in accordance with the stereotypes and the female characters have fewer professions. In line with the examinations, it shows that the cartoons contain gender stereotypes. As the result, it is expected that the characters in cartoons will be equally represented in terms of gender equality. Characters should not be limited to features that characterize gender stereotypes, the value given to male and female characters in the designed events should not be different, the content and visuals of cartoons should be designed away from stereotypes.