Toys and Gender Stereotypes

As children, we get many messages about being male and female from the toys we play with and see 1. Describe toys aimed at boys and at girls. What makes them seem “gendered?” Use some “action” words or adjectives to describe boys’ toys and girls’ toys. 2. Describe the differences in the packaging/marketing of toys for each gender. 3. What were the messages (either clear or subtle) about how boys or girls should act? 4. Try to find a “neutrally” gendered toy. Describe it and perhaps how it is marketed. Why can either gender play with it? 5. Did you go to a toy store, look at a catalog, or watch ads? What percent of toys were aimed at each gender? Why do you think this is the case? 6. When you were a child, did your parents purchase you gender-based toys?Why or why not? Were there benefits or drawbacks to their actions? 7. If you are a parent, or a parent to be, did you/do you/will you “channel” your children by directing their attention to specific toys that are differentiated by gender (dolls or trucks, etc.)? Why or why not? 8. As a result of taking this class, do you think you would change your behavior (e.g., try to direct your child to more “gender neutral” toys)? Why or why not? Please explain. 9. There are several theories about gender learning. What do you think is accomplished in society by having gender-based toys?