“Because she is a girl”: Gender Stereotypes and Social Distance during Play in Early Childhood

Gender stereotyping influences peer selection and often leads to the exclusion of children who challenge conventional norms. Two frameworks explain these dynamics: Gender Backlash, referring to social penalties for violating gender stereotypes, and the Black Sheep Effect, which highlights the rejection of deviant ingroup-members. Previous research shows that children who behave counter-stereotypically (especially boys) are judged more negatively by adults. The present study examines these processes in early childhood (ages 5–6), focusing on attitudes toward counter-stereotypical toys, peer play preferences, and reasons for peer rejection. Participants were 258 primary school students (137 boys, 121 girls) in Granada (Spain). A mixed-methods approach was used. Results showed that counter-stereotypical boys experienced the greatest social distance from peers. Positive attitudes toward feminized toys were associated with reduced social distance toward counter-stereotypical children. Egalitarian gender attributions about toys were also linked to lower social distance toward counter-stereotypical boys. Children generally preferred toys aligned with their own gender, regardless of their peer’s gender. Peer rejection was mainly attributed to aggression, preference differences, and gender stereotypes. These findings highlight the role of gender stereotypes in shaping early social relationships.