How Does Gender Stereotyped Toys Affect Gender Stereotypes

I will investigate the affect gender stereotyped toys have on gender stereotypes made by adults. This question is important to study because it will show how much of an effect gender stereotyped toys have on children throughout their entire lives. It will also show what the benefits or consequences of exposure to gender stereotypes at such a young age are. I would have six groups; one group of all girls with “girl toys,” one group of all girls with “boy toys,” one group of all girls with “gender neutral toys,” one group of all boys with “boy toys,” one group of all boys with “girl toys,” and one group of all boys with “gender neutral toys.” They would only be exposed to these gender stereotyped toys until they develop gender consistency (around 6 years of age). Afterwards, they will have a yearly check up to study how each individual makes their own stereotypes. This could be measured by an IAT test or by naturalistic observation in the individual subjects natural environment, either in a work setting, social setting or their home life.

There will be six experimental groups. Four groups will be the experiment; the group of all girls with “girl toys,” the group of all girls with “boy toys,” the group of all boys with “boy toys,” and the group of all boys with “girl toys.” The other two will be the control groups; the group of all girls with “gender neutral toys,” and the group of all boys with “gender neutral toys.” Since the toys can be manipulated into “boy toys,” “girl toys,” and “gender neutral toys” we can also assume causation of behaviors later in