Barbie Collectibles

Do you think children are made to conform to their stereotypical gender roles when they are toddlers?

Just something I thought about a while ago.

If you think of it - what do parents buy their children to play with?

Girls - Barbie dolls, Baby Born/babies, kitchen/cooking play sets, tea sets etc
Boys - Action Man, Bob the BUILDER, construction playsets, plastic hammers, Hot Wheelz etc

Are children made to act like their stereotyped gender roles (women - bring up the children/cook, men - breadwinners/working/building) through the toys that parents buy them?

Would be interesting to see your views on this!
Pyewacket - Yeah I heard about that survey! It just goes to show that they are treated differently
CyberCommie - it was just something that came up in a Psychology lesson ages ago. It does not mean that I do not accept that it is natural. Gosh

I never really thought of this before! I have 5 girls and always bought Barbies, dolls, kitchen supplies, tea sets, dress-up, teddy bears, etc. It was just something I never thought twice about. We also have gender neutral things like board games, electronics, music, etc. If my daughter ever wanted to play with Bob the Builder, tools, or Hot Wheelz, I would of course buy them. I just never was asked for them, even after them playing with there boy cousins toys. If they wanted them I think they would ask at the store!

Recently, I watched a show on Transgender children starting as young as 2! It talked about how boys wanted to dress as girls and girls wanted to dress as boys. The parents would let them and they started undergoing things to change genders. I don't know what I would ever do if placed in the situation. Obviously I would have to let the child express themself. Tough situation! Very good thinking question though.

EDIT: And to the person who said they won't let there son play with Barbies, why not? I mean I don't have a son, but it's just a toy. It doesn't mean he will grow up to be gay! And if he does, will you still love him? He may just grow up to be a fashion designer. You need to relax and let your children be who they wan to be (sorry wasn't supose to be a joke with the Barbie commericals, just worked out that way).

Momversation: Do You Fight Gender Stereotypes?

Barbie $19.99 Barbie - Wall Decal

Barbie Modelo by Mattel Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 oz $15.6 Barbie Modelo Mattel Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 oz for Women. Features:. Fragrance Size: 2.5 oz. Fragrance Dispenser: spray. Fragrance Gender: women. Fragrance Strength: edt.

Barbie Aventura by Mattel Eau De Toilette Spray 2.5 oz $24.12 Barbie Aventura 2.5 Oz Eau De Toilette Spray For Women. Features:. Fragrance Size: 2.5 oz. Fragrance Dispenser: spray. Fragrance Gender: women. Fragrance Strength: edt.

BARBIE FASHION TABLET $57.99 BARBIE FASHION TABLET

BARBIE POCKET LITTLE LEARNER $27.99 BARBIE POCKET LITTLE LEARNER

Barbie Happy Birthday Doll $17.99 Barbie Happy Birthday Doll

The Empire of Stereotypes $75.95 This book is in New - Excellent condition

Stereotypes As Explanations $137.82 This book is in Good Used condition

Beyond Stereotypes $11.25 This book is in New - Excellent condition

Shattering The Stereotypes $13.95 This book is in Like New condition