UCL Millennium Cohort Study

Gender Stereotypes: Animals

Challenging Gender Stereotypes Through Creative Learning

Research from the Millennium Cohort Study revealed clear gender bias in the career aspirations of children aged 7 to 14, with boys and girls often choosing jobs shaped by outdated stereotypes.

Our task was to bring these findings to life for a younger audience aged 7 to 11. The goal was to create an engaging animation and a suite of learning content that could be easily used in classrooms and at home, helping children explore gender roles and aspirations in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.

Illustrated educational worksheets featuring characters and activities that challenge gender stereotypes, including quizzes, storyboards, and a mock newspaper titled

Illustration of three pink flamingos, each with different clothing and expressions, highlighting individuality and challenging traditional gender roles in appearance and style.

Illustration of a lion getting a haircut from a cat in a salon chair, with tufts of mane falling, playfully challenging gender norms through animal role reversal.

Illustration of a blue monkey dressed as a police officer, holding handcuffs with a serious expression, highlighting themes of authority and role representation through animal characters.

Sparking Conversation with Animals

We created a fun, character-led animation using young animals to help children explore gender stereotypes in career choices. Inspired by real student conversations, the concept encourages reflection without feeling critical. A familiar, Attenborough-style narration adds humour and surprise. To support wider learning, we developed a suite of classroom and home resources designed to spark meaningful, age-appropriate conversations about gender roles, helping teachers and parents guide children through the topic with confidence.

Illustration of a smiling pink hippo wearing a bow and holding a soccer ball while swinging, symbolizing playful energy and challenging gender stereotypes in sports.

ChatGPT said: Two stylishly dressed cartoon cats striking confident poses, one in a beret and scarf, the other in sunglasses and a white apron, set against a light blue background.

Illustration of cartoon animals, including a monkey, bear, lion, flamingo, and cat, sitting at school desks, highlighting classroom diversity and gender representation themes.