Research Question *’To what extent has gender stereotyping in children’s toys changed throughout the 20th century to the present day’ *Is the gender divide in children’s toys responding to basic biology, or is it a product of the society we live in?’ *’To what extent Is the gender divide in children’s toys responding to basic biology, or how much is it a product of the society we live in?’
Chapter One * Key Approaches to gender * Science - Are there biological differences between male and female brains. (findings support nurture) * Primate study of sex specific behaviour amongst primates. (support nature) * History and Context of gendered toys. - pink / blue divide - intro of gender neutrality
Essay Content Two Chapter *Evidence of the gender divide in Children’s toys / society today. *Harmful implications of gendered toys. *Cognitive & behavioural benefits of gender neutrality.
Chapter Three *Gender neutrality in action: - In education - Positive changes to the gendered toy industry - People/companies who champion gender neutrality. - Gender neutral products
Essay Content Key Theories Biological Approach: - Suggests that gender behavioural differences are innate. *Galligani et al.
Sociological Approach: - gender behavioural differences are shaped by our environment. *Albert Bandura *West and Zimmerman *Judith Butler
Biosocial Approach: - Argues for both biological and sociological reasoning.
Scientific Studies *Gina Ripon - study of the male and female brain. Findings: No biological differences. * Melissa Hines - Study exploring if sex differentiated behaviour exists amongst primates. Findings: biological behavioural differences are evident
Other Key Theorists// People
*Dr Elizabeth Sweet *Walter L Williams - Explores sexual diversity in native American culture. * Professor Alice Roberts * Cordilia Fine & Emma Rush *Abi Moore *Laura Nelson * Dr Michael Mosley
Key References * Archer, J. Lloyd, B. (2002) Sex and Gender (second edition) p.53-59 * Woodward, K. (2000) Questioning identity: gender, class, ethnicity * Sweet, E. ‘Toys Are More Divided by Gender Now Than They Were 50 Years Ago’ * Is your brain male or female? (2014) Horizon * Fighting The Power of Pink (2016) BBC Radio 4 * Consuming Kids: The Commercialisation of Childhood. (2008)
History Context: *Murray *Pacora
Case Studies *Lego (for&against) *Target - public backlash * Hamleys / Harrords *Tocca Boca - Gender neutral children’s app *Gender neutrality in Swedish schools // London *Let Toys Be Toys
Product Research - Children’s Toys Secondary Research
Primary Research
'Inescapably, though, there is this idea underpinning the toy industry… that male and female children are fundamentally different, that their interests stem from and reveal a difference in their brains…It leads back to the arguably outdated and flawed idea that boys and girls are naturally interested in different things and therefore that there needs to be specific targeting products in order to appeal to their instincts.’ - Dr Elizabeth Sweet
Gender Neutral Movement
Let toys be toys
Hamley’s - removing gender labels
The Mask You Live In
‘Toys are for fun, for learning, for stoking imagination and encouraging creativity.’ - Let Toys Be Toys
PinkStinks "It seems likely that even if there isn't an innate girlie preference for pink, there is a gender bias in the types of toys boys and girls prefer. But it's important to remember that this isn't an exclusive divide.” - Professor Alice Roberts
Swedish gender neutral pronoun
“Studies have found that gendered toys do shape children’s play preferences and styles. Because gendered toys limit the range of skills and attributes that both boys and girls can explore through play, they may prevent children from developing their full range of interests, preferences, and talents.” - Dr Elizabeth Sweet
Gender Neutrality In Action Anorak Magazine
Lego
Tocca Boca
Wonder Crew
“What we try to do with our digital toys is really inspire kids to be creative, be exploratory, to widen their imagination…I don’t see that being linked to gender in any way.” - Mathilda Engman, Toca Boca
“Conversely, de-gendering toys will allow children, and arguably society at large, to reap long-term benefits: when we offer kids equal choices from an early age, it logically follows that they will continue to expect and demand equality in their personal, social and professional lives.”
Practical Response Proposal: Overarching Theme: Gender Stereotyping in children’s toys/products and education. Specific Subject: Gender stereotyping in job roles / exploring how societies portrayal/perceptions of gender can limit children’s capabilities and future career choices. Products // Proposed Outcomes: A children’s book, / colouring book / with an interactive 3D element. / Activity Pack Purpose: The final outcome will - champion gender equality by representing diversity in job roles. will aim to break down gender stereotypes by challenging society’s ‘norms’. Ultimately - gender neutrality in children’s toys is a good thing. Media Processes: Lino Print / Mono Print / Coloured Pencil / Paper(3d element) - Push a playful aesthetic, with a strong emphasis on texture and colour.
Interactive books
Practical Ideas
Interactive research - Flexagons
Initial experimentation - 3D
Flexagons - Bashir Sultani
Practical - Conceptual Ideas
Artist inspirations
Carson Ellis Francesca Sanna - The Journey
BlexBolex - Ballad
JooHee Yoon
Lizzie Stewart - There’s a Tiger In The Garden
Eric Carle - The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Further Development Areas of Research • Watch: No More Boys and Girls: Can Kids Go Gender Free? BBC - to gain further insight into the effects of a gender neutral teaching environment. • Primary Research: - Write questionnaire for teachers and Parents - to what extent are their teaching / parenting styles informing children’s perceptions of gender? - Visit Huntington Primary school, York. - Questionnaire for children. - study play interests, & interact with target audience. - discover first hand what toys appeal to boys and girls, and what are their opinions surrounding gender. • Practical - Respond to research visually!! - Start developing engaging characters. - Explore print and texture - push the process. - Explore colour. - Continue 3D interactive exploration.