TOYS “R” US (LITERALLY)
THE SUBCONSCIOUS MESSAGING BEHIND GENDERED TOYS
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Tracking changing trends in toy catalogues
Let Toys Be Toys
“Most gendered boys’ toys encourage more cognitive skills than gendered girls’ toys. In addition, gendered toys can reinforce social expectations regarding gender roles.”
Dr Nawar Al-Hassan Golley
Pre-1940s toys were widely gender neutral. Marketing firms decided to target wealthier households and create “boys” and “girls” toys so they could sell an entire new set of toys, clothes etc. to parents.
The Conversation, 2019
❓QUESTION❓
Why are toys still not gender neutral?
Do gendered toys shape what we like or dislike and what is the connection to gender roles later in life?
📣 SHOUT OUT 📣
The Let Toys Be Toys campaign is asking the toy and publishing industries to stop limiting children’s interests by promoting some toys and books as only suitable for girls, and others only for boys.