In Katha Pollitt’s essay “Why Boys Don’t Play with Dolls” Pollitt examines the problems and causes of gender stereotypes in children. This essay has a negative outlook on any studies that suggest behavioral differences between boys and girls are inherent. Instead Pollitt believes the blame for these stereotypes and behavioral differences should be placed on the parents. The child’s upbringing and culture greatly influence their behavioral differences. Pollitt poses the argument that studies that suggest behavioral differences are inherent are just an excuse for parents to avoid going against the social norm. This essay serves to show the number of young people breaking down these expectations that differences in behavior between boys and girls is taught, not …show more content…
Pollitt implies that although feminist organizations such as NOW exist they do not change the set gender stereotypes. Pollitt points out that despite the existence of NOW, “boys still like trucks and girls still like dolls” (Pollitt 1). It is said that males like to be more active and females prefer to be more nurturing. Pollitt believes that these preferences develop because of influences of society. She proves this by further looking at the upbringing and the influences parents have on gender stereotypes. Pollitt gives a scenario: “I’m at a children's birthday party. “I'm sorry” one mom silently mouths to the mother of the birthday girl, who has just torn open her present --Tropical Splash Barbie” (Pollitt 1). In this case a mother is trying to raise her daughter to be open minded and not force her child to follow gender stereotypes. The mother that gave the gift apologized due to the fact that the Barbie she had given the child is part of the girl stereotype which the mother of the child was trying to avoid. This is one of many ways parents have influence over behavioral