Toys and gender
MaryWrite@aol.com
Mon, 14 Oct 1996 09:20:42 -0400
Even as we approach the 21st century, many toys are still classified as
"boys' toys" or "girls' toys" by consumers and users. It's not difficult to
see why after strolling through a toy department or toy store. Pink and
lavendar aisles implicitly invite those looking for girls toys to shop that
part of the store and Lego packages picturing a boy happily at play makes the
consumer unconciously choose that toy for a male child. It seems to me that
toy packaging, merchandising and advertising reinforce gender-typing of toys
and games and is something I would like to include in an article I am working
on. However, I have been unable to find any research that may support my
contention. Does anyone know of any study that has looked at this particular
subject? My deadline is October 21 so a rapid reply would be greatly
appreciated. You may e-mail me privately: MaryWrite@aol.com.
Thank you!
Mary Miller