At Egalia preschool, children are known as “friends” rather than girls and boys. There’s also a special emphasis on fostering an environment tolerant of GLBT people. There are no Snow White, Cinderella or other classic fairy tales seen as cementing stereotypes. Nearly all the children’s books deal with gay couples, single parents or adopted children. From the color and placement of toys to the choice of books, every detail has been carefully planned to make sure the children don’t fall into gender stereotypes. The school is one of the most radical examples of Sweden’s efforts to engineer equality between the genders from childhood onward. Breaking down gender roles is a core mission in the national curriculum for preschools, driven by the theory that even in Sweden, society gives boys an unfair edge.<\/p>\n