Gender Specific Toys Matter

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Recommended: Toys and gender socialization

Gender Specific Toys: Why does it Matter?
Matthew Marques

“Should I buy the Tonka Dump Truck or the new Step 2® Walk-in Kitchen and Grill?” - Said the mother of two children. “Well you have to buy the Tonka Dump Truck, you don’t want to give your son the wrong impression for being a boy.” -Said the storeowner.

Are children’s toys really determined based on their gender? Society is constantly separating the abilities between males and females. Gender orientation is a very controversial subject due to the stereotypes brought out to society through the workforce, education, and overall status in the world. Unfortunately, this way of thinking is carried down through our children and future generations beyond us.

For most parents, they do not …show more content…

Finding the perfect toy, to teach your child the right way of life can be difficult, this is why companies have created gender specific toys. Although, these toys only create more problems against gender equality, while leaving parents worried when their child leans towards a toy that doesn’t necessarily agree with the majority of their gender. This is shown when little boys are playing towards dollhouses, instead of Hot Wheels® or little girls dressing up as a superheroes, The Avengers, instead of Disney …show more content…

Studies have shown through Welsh organization Chwarae Teg, kids are the primary level, already have an idea of jobs suited specifically for men and women. This ideology will only be harder for these children later on in adulthood.

Gender specific toys have distinguished boys to a stereotypical appearance and personality. With the latest toys based on trucks, construction working, and war based games, it has taught little boys to become rough, dirty, and rowdy, who can become super violent. For those who are a little more creative and sensitive, they are considered “outsiders” in society. This causes instability and self-confidence issues for these boys, for being different.

Gender Specific toys can have a negative influence on a child’s future if they are not brought up properly. With stereotypes and society’s constant need for separation between genders, it is becoming harder to show our children how to become a good citizen, while finding their true identity in these toys. With cooperation now creating more gender-neutral toys, children can now play with different toys that are made for for

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