Gender Socialization In Toys

There is no doubt that Gender Socialization starts as early as our childhood years. I went to the toy department at Walmart and was really shocked. I had never realized how segregated these toys were. The toys are separated by gender, they tell us about defining masculinity and femininity, and it impacts how children understand what it means to be a girl or a boy.
In the Toy department at Walmart, it is really obvious which toys are for girls and which toys are for boys. The toys are separated, and mostly by gender. One aisle is pink and full of glitter. It gives the impression of having just entered a fairytale. Another Aisle is dull with dark colors such as black, red, and olive green. This is exactly what attracts each gender. The pink section is full of toys such as Barbie, Disney princesses, baby dolls, and toy kitchens. The dull and dark aisle is full of toys such as WWE action figures, Legos, super heros, and construction toys. The packaging comes with certain words to attract them. The “girl toys” have words such as “pretty” or “fabulous”. The boy toys have words such as “Hero.” …show more content…
For example, you can find baby dolls in the girl section. Such dolls come with diapers and bottles. Some can cry, and you can even buy them their crib, car seat, and other things you would actually buy a real baby! This toy, lets young girls know that their expected social status when they grow up is to be a mom. Their expected social role is to nurture a baby, to care for a baby. Whereas, in a boy’s case, you can find construction toys. This lets young boys that their expected social status is to be a worker, and their expected social role is to provide and protect. But why can’t men nurture and care for a baby, and why can’t women go out and work in construction? They can, but toys are giving the idea to children that they