Gender Typing of Children''s Toys : How Early Play Experiences Impact Development

An in-depth analysis of gendered toy play uncovers its role in shaping children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development while reinforcing long-held stereotypes. Integrating findings from psychology, neuroscience, and education, it outlines strategies and public efforts to help kids overcome rigid gender roles.

Do boys and girls like different toys? What social, cognitive, and biological factors influence the design and marketing of gender-typed toys, and children's interest in such toys?  What are the long term implications of gendered toy play, for children's development and later adult roles?

In this book, scholars in developmental psychology, education, and neuroscience examine the fascinating intersection of gender and child play. Contributors consider the innumerable ways in which toys today are gender typed, alongside the expression of gender preferences in early childhood, and they review research showing that children who play with different kinds of toys reap different cognitive, emotional, and social benefits. Through playing with toys, children learn various skills, including lessons about how they should or should not behave. Gender-typed play, therefore, both reflects and solidifies gender stereotypes and constrains children's later social roles. With theoretically and empirically based play interventions, as well as descriptions of ongoing campaigns aimed at raising public awareness, this volume offers concrete steps researchers, clinicians, parents, and activists can take to help children grow up to realize their full potential, independent of preconceived gender roles and stereotypes.