With gender-biased and stereotypical views, society sets forth the mold of a “proper” adult. A visit to toy stores such as Toys ‘R Us and the toy sections of Walmart and Target provides insight into the sexism and gender stereotyping of children’s toys. In each store, girls and boys sections are separated very clearly, most evident in color. The girls section of the store is very pink, with a few splashes of purple and other “girly” colors; the boys section is mostly blue, with black, green, and other
Most of the time the colors on these aisles are not very bright the colors are more natural. The toys are also more masculine and they show how men are successful and they try to inspire the kids that play with these toys to be more like the action figure that by being like them that they could also be successful. The toys for boys suggest that when they get older they are supposed to get jobs and do the repairs around the house. On the other hand the girl toy aisle is very bright and the colors range from pinks, purples, and yellows. The toys for girls are Barbie dolls, baby dolls, stuffed animals, and doll houses.
I walked into my local Toys R Us and first noticed that the seasonal toys were up front. Second I noticed that infant toys were first on the path, then gender neutral toys, thirdly were the educational toys, and lastly were the boys and girls section. I noticed that most of the time the most expensive toy is on the bottom shelf. Obviously to be in the child’s view of sight. I also noticed that on the middle to the upper shelves were the educational toys.
I think it is based off of the upbringing of the child. The toys determine to be appropriate might affect a child’s movement. For instance, a boy who plays with Barbie dolls would attract other female children and start developing female characteristics. Also, playing with Barbie dolls may have the potential to cause that child’s interest to be altered. Clothing plays a major role in your life.
Social learning theory (SLT) suggests that behaviour is learnt through observation and imitation of “models”. SLT explains gender role by saying children learn their gender role primarily through vicarious reinforcement. Children are positively reinforced for behaving in gender-appropriate ways (i.e. a girl playing with a doll) and are punished for behaving in gender-inappropriate ways (i.e. a boy playing with a doll).
I mean, kitchen set, dining set, clothing set...You name it Barbie had it. It was interesting to me because behind the back of the Barbie's box, it was a very inviting and warm advertisement that attracted young girls attention to feel so 'girly'. It appeals to young girl's at a very young age, to grow up(or be) that perfect young lady. Then, I looked at the side across from Barbie, and I became aware that the new doll's that is replacing Barbie, is Bratz. They are more new, flashy, glitzy, and flirty,
Parents also give their children gender-specific toys. Common toys for boys are action figures, toy cars, and balls. Girls are frequently given dolls, tea sets, and stuffed animals. Even how children are treated is based on the child’s sex. Mothers are often stern with their daughters and easy on their sons.
The way children are spoken to, played with, touched, etc. I think the expectations from society influence the way parents raise their children. Growing up, children are completely stereotyped. For example, boys are thought to mostly play with toy trucks/cars, action figures, and tools and girls are thought to mostly play with Barbie dolls, makeup, and kitchen sets. Mainly because that stereotypical societal behavior is encouraged through advertisements on a daily basis.
Some toys in both the boys and girls aisles could actually be used in either gender such as Leap frog education, Little Einstein, waterproof cameras and video recorders, and even some video games. Some of the toys will help shape how both genders grow up and think about the world. A lot of kids are a product of their environment the toys they play with and the books they are taught to read. In chapter 4 of the book it talks about all the things I have been writing about in this paper. Things such as; how genders start to realize if they are boys or girls by the age of two and growing up and going through gender schemas.
While boys are encouraged to be adventurous and granted freedom that is perhaps undeserved, their female counterparts will be given toy ovens and princess dolls to play with. Well meaning adults will often correct or shame a child who exhibits behaviors that are not suitable for the gender roles Ornelas 2 they are being raised to fill. Though parents and relatives mean no harm by introducing children to the societal constructs of behavior befitting their gender, these practices directly harm the child.