Scientists say kids might choose food because of gender stereotypes

(FEBRUARY 15, 2024) Are some foods for boys and other foods for girls?

That is a question for scientists at the University of Oregon in Eugene. They study food. They make an experiment with kids 8-10 years old. 

The scientists give kids different kinds of food for lunch. Kids choose what to eat. Kids choose how much to eat. 

What happens?

Boys do not eat many fruits and vegetables.  

Why?

Scientists have an idea. Boys want to be liked by others. They don't think boys eat fruits and vegetables.

Scientists call this a "gender stereotype". Gender means male (boy) or female (girl). A stereotype is thinking the same thing about everyone in a group. For example, no boys eat fruits or vegetables.

What about girls?

Girls don't do the same thing. Girls eat many kinds of foods. They eat fruits and vegetables, too.

Scientists think kids learn these choices when they are young. They watch their families. They do the same thing.

Scientists say parents should talk more about food. They should not call food "good" or "bad". Instead, they should talk about being healthy.