Cultural stereotypes of males and females are broad expectations of behavior that are called gender roles. This is a cluster of traits and behaviors that are considered stereotypical of females and males.

Instructions

Visit a toy store or find a toy on the web and examine the toy choices for preschoolers. Assess them for signs of stereotypical male or female gender specific toys (e.g., dolls and trucks). Take a picture or screenshot of your chosen toy.

Include a picture of the toy you chose to examine. Include supporting evidence from the chapter readings, articles, and resources when creating your initial post and responding to your peers. Connect your answer with examples from your own observations and thoughts to demonstrate understanding of the material.

Discussion Prompts

When looking at the media, do you think advertisements in western society specifically targets toys for males and female genders?

How would you consider toy purchases for your children?

Is your chosen toy gender neutral (not geared toward a specifc sex)?

Do you prefer to buy male stereotypical toys for boys and female stereotypical toys for girls?

Given your answer how do you think this will factor into your child rearing style?