A Gendered Tour through a Toy Store Free Essay Example, 750 words

A Gendered Tour through a Toy Store Question A visit to Macy’s toys section showed a clear division of the toys for boys and girls. The store had aisles well packed with toys. However, the majority of the aisles had boys’ toys on one side and the girls’ on the other side. Bluish characterized the boys’ toys while pinkish was the only color in the girls’ section. I noted that the distribution of the toys was equal in each section of every aisle with enough toys. The display was attractive, and the signage directed every customer shopping for the overtly gendered toys in the aisles. Blue and pink banners were in the boys’ and girls’ toy sections respectively. Only one aisle that had boxed games did not indicate gender. Question 2 The predominant toys on the girls’ section included dolls of different sizes, including the Bratz and Barbie dolls, doll strollers and cribs, doll clothing, miniature household items such as kitchen sets, typical girl jewelry boxes, nail kits, and makeup sets. On the other hand, the boys’ toy section comprised of action and sports figures, trucks, cars, construction models, a variety of different sized balls, computer games, golf sets, and guns. We will write a custom essay sample on A Gendered Tour through a Toy Store or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now The neutral section had toys such as mask sets and swim goggles. I noticed that children entering the store tended to go to the respective toy section with little crossover. Question 3 The store uses color, pictures, and description to market the girls and boys toys. In the boys section, the blue color attached to the plastic labels is conspicuous. Conversely, the girls’ toy section has pinkish tags. The toys contain description such as â€Å"for boys†, â€Å"girls’ building set† and â€Å"hardworking man†. The pictures on the toys depict boys and girls executing different roles. Notably, the pictures in the girls’ toys portray girls as caregivers. On the other hand, the photos on the boys’ toys show the boys as rough executing action-oriented activities. Question 4 Macy’s does not have many toys that do not indicate on the packaging the sex of the child deemed appropriate. In fact, the store has only one aisle that contains gender-neutral toys. The notable toys in the neutral aisle swim goggles, mask sets, toy telephones, and puzzles. The packaging of the toys mentioned above does not reflect a specific gender. The puzzles impressed me very much, and I picked it to represent the gender-neutral toys. Question 5 It was not easy to locate the gender-neutral toy in the store. In fact, it was not until I figured out the arrangement of the aisles that I located the neutral toy in one of the shelves. It is worth noting that the layout makes it difficult for one to establish the location of the neutral toys. Hence, it was not easy to spot the gender-neutral toy. Analysis of Experience The experience at Macy’s showed that toys reinforce gender stereotypes. The toy play and selection offer a context for passing the gender roles to the children. Arguably, the toys teach the children their expectation regarding the gender-appropriate behavior. The gender specific tool serves as a critical tool that strengthens the stereotypical gender roles in children at a tender age (Emolu 6). In this regard, the treatment of boys and girls in a different way through the selection of toys enable them to learn the differences between men and women, according to the religious, cultural, and ethnic values of their society. The boys’ toys convey the message that aggressive behavior is suitable for boys in the society. For instance, the toys portray boys as rowdy, rough, and action-oriented. The toys impose the masculine role that encourages the boys to be assertive and active in violent tasks. On the other hand, the girls’ toys depict the girls’ role as nurt uring and cooking. The jewelry boxes and makeup sets indicate that beauty and glamor are crucial attributes, which girls should embrace, for social acceptance. The association of doll with caring and nurturing is evident in the choice of the girls’ toys. In this respect, the girls grow up knowing that they should be caregivers. The presence of the gender-neutral toys in the store indicates that it is possible to have equality in the society. Arguably, the neutral toys depict a possibility of a society that socializes boys and girls to practice shared responsibilities. In this respect, efforts should target ending the socially constructed ideas that impose binary gender roles on children. The marketing of the toys in a more gender-neutral way will enable the children to grow and embrace equality. Such marketing strategy will empower the children, as well as, the society. It is possible to avoid the detrimental effects of the gendered toys if the society does not continue reinforcing the gender stereotypes through toys. Work Cited Emolu, Esra. â€Å"Play, toys, and gender socialization. †Journal Plus Education 11.2 (2014): 1-7. Print.