Opposing Gender Stereotypes in Toys

Opposing Gender Stereotypes In Toys

Genderization of toys is a commonly-employed measure by toy companies to boost their toy sales. However, such gender stereotypes did not always exist as there exist advertisements from the 1970s that displayed kids of both genders happily playing with toys that came in a variety of colors. Eventually however, gender discrimination started to crawl in the world of toys where girls are often displayed playing with princess-themed clothing and toys while boys are often clad in superhero costumes and indulging in ‘masculine’ playtime. While gender discrimination does not seem like a serious issue on the surface, it is noteworthy that toys are crucial for developing a child’s intelligence and affinity for learning new skills. Thus when we allow the toys to be gender-stereotyped, we are limiting our children’s access to toys that are deemed unsuitable for their gender and henceforth minimalizing the skills they can potentially develop from interaction with the toys. For instance, playing with Barbie dolls and pretend-houses can teach children empathy, responsibility and lessons on how to take care of other individuals and themselves. As a result, boys may be lacking access to these toys due to the stereotype that they should only play with masculine toys. Likewise, girls may be discouraged from assembling model figurines and playing with Legos as they are usually associated with boys and masculinity. Building and assembling figurines are essential for teaching children spatial and mathematical skills, which will translate into a solid foundation for mathematics and logic in the long run. Henceforth, it is evident that gender stereotypes in toys are harming the development of children as it forces them down one path that is arbitrarily tied to their gender.

Why are toys gender-stereotyped? The most apparent reason seems to be that segregating the toy market into targeting two different genders yields maximum profit. This is because parents are unable to hand down toys that are targeted for one gender to a younger child of another gender. For example, a parent is highly unlikely to pass down a Barbie doll that an elder sister formerly owns to the younger brother. In doing so, parents are compelled to buy another set of toys instead such as toy soldiers and mini mechs that they perceive to appeal better to males.

Aside from the consequences of gender stereotyping toys mentioned above, there are other negative long-term consequences of gender stereotyping toys that are worrying as well. One example would be social problems. Gender stereotyping in toys may be directly responsible for a resurgence of toxic masculinity. It is not uncommon for boys to be bullied and mocked if they display a passion for so-called ‘feminine’ activities and objects such as liking the colors ‘pink’ and ‘purple’ Even worse, Males are particularly stigmatized and discriminated against for crossing the gender aisle in various industries such as toys and fashion. This can be partially attributed to widespread misogyny, homophobia and other forms of behavior that condemn outliers.  Also, toy advertising and labelling may often paint the image of boys being violent, dirty, and yearning for action. As a result, girls whom share this behavior will often be criticized for being unladylike and calmer as well as sensitive boys might feel that they are not being sufficiently masculine. This causes them to possibly underperform in their social setting.

Another problematic consequence of gendered toys is that children’s ambitions and interests will be restricted. Toys that are designed to appeal to little girls are often designed to be excessively feminine, with ponies, dolls, flowers or whatever other motif the toy industry associates with feminity.  Henceforth, girls will often associate science and technology as male-dominant industries. This results in their futures potentially being restricted by their lack of exposure to the relevant interests in their childhoods.

We can support gender neutrality directly by purchasing gender-neutral toys for our children and encouraging children to play with any toys they are interested in regardless of its color and physical appearances. Retail outlets do not necessarily have to replace their stock either. Rather they simply have to reorganize toys by theme and function, rather than gender.

In conclusion, promoting gender neutrality within toys would increase the variety of toys that children can pick from. Moreover, it allows them to choose with accordance to their preferences, interests and desired skillsets. In a gender-neutral future, toys are separated by type and not into different aisles that are dependent on which gender they are classified under.