Problem
Visit a toy store, if at all possible, in person. It can be an independent toystore or the aisles of a larger store such as Walmart or Target. For those who are not comfortable spending time in a toy store in person, please you can virtually explore. Observe and analyze the toy section of an online department store or of an independent toy store. Or, alternatively browse through a printed catalog that advertises children's toys. While browsing, virtually or in person, please pay attention to the following: Do you identify toys that are targeted at girls, boys?Are there non-gendered toys? Do you notice anything in the store that relates to transgender, gender non-conforming, gender-creative, gender-variant children? Does the store offer toys to a multi-ethnic group of consumers? What themes and expectations are stressed in toys for boys and for girls, and how do these differ? Play, among other things, is socialization and a rehearsal for adult roles. What types of adult roles are being rehearsed by children playing with these toys? What gender messages about the meaning of masculinity and femininity are conveyed? And, how does the socialization and rehearsal of roles interact with the structures of careers, opportunity, and inequality in our society? Are certain images and behaviors more likely to lead to financial rewards and success?