Gender Stereotypes In Toys

Modern society is questioning the social norms of the past so as to move forward in a more progressive and inclusive way. Everything from the past is being questioned including the type of toys children play with. Throughout infancy, early childhood, and adolescence children are exposed to strict gender norms. For example, girls are meant to play with toys that are pink, sparkly, and kitchen sets. Boys on the other hand are encouraged to play with trucks, strong and aggressive action figures, and building blocks. The toys presented to girls reinforce negative gender stereotypes that include the message of women belonging in the home with interests in cooking and skilled in home making. Boys are encouraged to be aggressive and violent which perpetuates negative stereotypes about masculinity. These stereotypes lead to children feeling forced into paths they do not have true interest in. These stereotypes put in place

People are made to believe things about themselves based on the toys they played with as children. Gendering toys has consequences on girls especially. Girls are less likely to play with toys that would enhance certain parts of their brain that would help them in their future career choices. One study found that girls’ special reasoning was at a disadvantage due to the type of toys they played with: “Targeting toys by gender has consequences beyond socialization. A 2015 study found that boys are more likely to play with toys that develop spatial intelligence—K’nex, puzzles, Lego bricks—than girls are” (Daly). If girls were encouraged to play with toys that help cognitive functions such as those mentioned before then they will be able to excel in later parts of their lives. Girls need to be encouraged to be smarter just as their male counterparts so that society can benefit from the great ideas they will have to offer. Empowerment is key when building a better future for