Gender Stereotypes of Children’s Toys: Investigating the Perspectives of Adults Who Have and Do Not Have Children

Abstract

Often certain types of toys are considered more appropriate either for boys or for girls to play with. Therapists often use toys to engage children in intervention activities to promote skill development. This study investigated the gender stereotype perspectives of children’s toys held by adults who were and were not parents. Fifty-two participants were recruited through convenience sampling and grouped based on parental status. Participants completed a self-report survey. Data were analyzed using t-tests for independent samples. Parents and non-parents characterized gender-neutral toys significantly different (p < 0.05), but did not stereotype masculine and feminine toys as being distinct. Parents and non-parents reported significantly different views towards gender-neutral toys. Therapists who work with children and families can apply this knowledge during goal setting and intervention planning in early intervention and school settings.

Keywords:

• children
• gender
• parents
• play
• toys
• stereotyping

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the participants who volunteered to take part in this study.