Gender Stereotypes Activity
Look at websites where you might find kids toys, such as Amazon or Target (you are not limited: you can look at any childrens online store). Choose a toy in the $10-30 range. Post a photo of the toy and answer the questions below:
YOU WILL SHOP FOR A BOY
JUST ANSWER THE QUESTION UNDER EACH QUESTION. ITS NOT AN ESSAY
Discussion Questions
1. Describe the process you used to select the toy you decided on. What factors influenced your decision? What did you notice about how the websites market childrens toys?
2. As a child, what toys did you play with? Were these toy selections at all influenced by your parents, the media, or friends? Why or why not? Were these toys similar to or different from the toy you selected?
3. Name your favorite movie from elementary school. Describe the main character of that movie. Was it a male or a female? Were there toys available based on this character?
4. Do you believe that the choices parents make about their childrens toys or movies influence what children believe about what is appropriate for boys/girls or men/women? Why or why not?
5. Do you think children who play with toys marketed for the other sex (like boys playing with dolls or dollhouses) are treated differently from children who play with gender- typical toys? Why or why not?
