One of the many classes I am taking this semester is Gender Psychology. There are many gender related topics, such as: Transgender, body language, pay gaps among men and women; sexual harassment in the work place, gender roles & so much more!
We have been asked to post our “favorite” gender topic or a topic we want to learn about this semester. My choice was Toys and Play/Gender specific toys. This is not a new topic to me; I have heard and thought a lot about this topic, but there is a lot to learn and consider. This topic hits close to home for me for a few reasons.
While reviewing the topic, I found myself falling into this loop and conforming with Gender specific Toys; I did not do this intentionally! It is society, marketing and how we are raised that brings us into this closed loop idea! A lot of times we don’t think twice about the toys we purchase.
When you shop for your daughter, nephew, son or niece, what do you buy? Do the girls get dolls, kitchen/cooking sets and a lot of pink? Do they boys get trucks, trains, and footballs? Can the girls play with the football and the boys play with the dolls? Should we make an effort to purchase Gender neutral toys?
I will not go into detail with my thoughts and opinions! I will say that there are many factors when talking about children and how they learn and grow and play is a BIG part of their development!
I am curious what you all think. Does it matter what children play with? Does play as a child have any affect of who they become as adults? Can your daughter play with trucks and your son play with the cooking set? Can one do it and not the other? Do you believe we need to incorporate more neutral toys to provide better balance and eliminate perceived gender roles?
I plan to have a full paper with hours and hours of research on this topic soon! 🙂
I would like to know what you all think as well. I want to see all side of this controversial issue!
Michelle Anderson 