Graphic by Karina Wu ’23
BY JAHNAVI PRADEEP ’23
A walk in Target’s kids’ aisles shows the cleanly divided lines between the smiling dolls, tea sets and pink princess dresses versus the fiery Hot Wheels, monster trucks and superhero costumes. This is one example of the gender roles with which children are brought up in our consumerist society. These impositions must be relaxed and we must work toward creating a society in which children can form their own gender identities.
Children begin understanding and categorizing gender around the age of two to three, and, as per Lawrence Kohlberg’s theory of gender identity development, they then move from understanding their own identities to the larger landscape, associating what behaviors go with what identity.
In a New York Times interview, developmental psychologist Laura Zimmerman discussed how childhood experiences play a role in this gender development. This can either “reinforce stereotypes” or the experiences can “open up possibilities and lead kids to believe that they have more choices,” Zimmerman said. In this space where children are navigating their identities,“toys and play should give them space, not narrow their choices,” according to the New York Times.
From the names that are given to the toys, stories and games that children engage with, they are introduced to segregated ideas of gender at a young age. These ideas are then put into firmly entrenched boxes. At this age, children pick up strong cues from their surroundings and from individuals around them. Therefore, it is important to not force strong cues, which interfere with the process of identity-making for young children.
Adults must understand the limitations of imposing gendered ideas on growing children by controlling the toys, stories and games they engage with. Children should be encouraged to play with whatever toys they want.
Barbie by Mattel’s slogan is, “See what happens when girls are free to imagine they can be anything.” This encourages an assumption that these dolls are meant only for girls to play with.
“Children should be free to play with the toys they enjoy — toys should not be ‘assigned’ by gender,” Zimmerman said to The New York Times.
An environment which does not force certain gender identities on children must be fostered by parents and toy manufacturers. Children must be provided with an inviting atmosphere in which to form their own identities without any preconceived notions being shoved upon them. We must work toward a gender inclusive environment for children to grow and flourish in.