The Influence of Toys on Gender Role Stereotyping
The Influence of Toys on Gender Role Stereotyping
After going to the “Toys R Us” website I can conclude that stereotypes of gender roles are passed on from generation to generation with the help of most children toys. Girl toys stress physical beauty and appearance, and home caregiver roles, while boy toys focus on their physical abilities and handyman roles. However, I was also able to find toys that were gender neutral that emphasized creativity and energetic fun. I feel that gender socialization, through toys, teaches and strengthens stereotypical gender roles.
Two of the toys I found were categorized under “Girls”, and then further categorized under “pretend play” and “bath, beauty and accessories”. The toy in the category “pretend play” was a “Prepare and Share Kitchen Set”. Its colors were pink and white, and the picture that displayed the toy had two little girls playing and pretending to cook and clean in the kitchen. The other toy in the category “bath, beauty and accessories” was a “Sassy Salon” that was hot pink and black. The display picture was only of the vanity itself, it did not include any children, although, customers who have bought the product can post pictures to the product description for display to others who are interested in the product. One of which, did have a little girl sitting at the vanity in front of the mirror. I feel that not only the colors, but also the names and type of product help teach stereotypical gender roles. Girls are supposed to work in a home setting, cooking, cleaning and preparing to care for others, but also be beautiful and “be the most fabulous “sassy” gal on the block” as the message on the vanity set states.
Under the category “Boy’s” I found sub-categories such as “pretend play” and “outdoor play”. The two toys I found were a pretend lawn mower and a junior basketball set. The colors were “typical” boy colors, green, blue and black. Both products had pictures that displayed little boys playing with these
After going to the “Toys R Us” website I can conclude that stereotypes of gender roles are passed on from generation to generation with the help of most children toys. Girl toys stress physical beauty and appearance, and home caregiver roles, while boy toys focus on their physical abilities and handyman roles. However, I was also able to find toys that were gender neutral that emphasized creativity and energetic fun. I feel that gender socialization, through toys, teaches and strengthens stereotypical gender roles.
Two of the toys I found were categorized under “Girls”, and then further categorized under “pretend play” and “bath, beauty and accessories”. The toy in the category “pretend play” was a “Prepare and Share Kitchen Set”. Its colors were pink and white, and the picture that displayed the toy had two little girls playing and pretending to cook and clean in the kitchen. The other toy in the category “bath, beauty and accessories” was a “Sassy Salon” that was hot pink and black. The display picture was only of the vanity itself, it did not include any children, although, customers who have bought the product can post pictures to the product description for display to others who are interested in the product. One of which, did have a little girl sitting at the vanity in front of the mirror. I feel that not only the colors, but also the names and type of product help teach stereotypical gender roles. Girls are supposed to work in a home setting, cooking, cleaning and preparing to care for others, but also be beautiful and “be the most fabulous “sassy” gal on the block” as the message on the vanity set states.
Under the category “Boy’s” I found sub-categories such as “pretend play” and “outdoor play”. The two toys I found were a pretend lawn mower and a junior basketball set. The colors were “typical” boy colors, green, blue and black. Both products had pictures that displayed little boys playing with these