Psychology
The Influence of a Model's Gender on Children's Toy Choice
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Location
Indianapolis, IN
Subject Area
Psychology
Start Date
11-4-2014 10:15 AM
End Date
11-4-2014 12:00 PM
Sponsor
Amy Bracken (Franklin College)
Description
Societal pressures and social norms can impact gender stereotypes through the media, parenting styles, and cultural backgrounds. Past research has shown that toy play behavior in children is associated with gender stereotypes and that children are cognizant of these stereotypes. According to gender stereotypes, males tended to participate in masculine activities, while females tended to participate in feminine activities (Schmalz & Kerstetter, 2006). Females were more prone to cross the gender line, especially in regards to toy play. However, previous studies did not consider the influence that the gender of the model had on children's participation in toy play. This study builds upon previous research by examining the indirect environmental factors that could influence children's toy play. The control group will have no human model in the room. There will be two experimental groups, one with a female model in the room, and the other with a male model in the room. The model will ask the child to select a toy to play with. The children will be given a selection of masculine, feminine, or gender neutral toys to choose from. A questionnaire will be administered to the parents and the children prior to data collection to assess preexisting gender stereotypes. The researchers hypothesize that the gender of the model in the room will influence the child's selection of toy. The results of this study will add to the body of knowledge regarding gender stereotypes among children.
The Influence of a Model's Gender on Children's Toy Choice
Indianapolis, IN
Societal pressures and social norms can impact gender stereotypes through the media, parenting styles, and cultural backgrounds. Past research has shown that toy play behavior in children is associated with gender stereotypes and that children are cognizant of these stereotypes. According to gender stereotypes, males tended to participate in masculine activities, while females tended to participate in feminine activities (Schmalz & Kerstetter, 2006). Females were more prone to cross the gender line, especially in regards to toy play. However, previous studies did not consider the influence that the gender of the model had on children's participation in toy play. This study builds upon previous research by examining the indirect environmental factors that could influence children's toy play. The control group will have no human model in the room. There will be two experimental groups, one with a female model in the room, and the other with a male model in the room. The model will ask the child to select a toy to play with. The children will be given a selection of masculine, feminine, or gender neutral toys to choose from. A questionnaire will be administered to the parents and the children prior to data collection to assess preexisting gender stereotypes. The researchers hypothesize that the gender of the model in the room will influence the child's selection of toy. The results of this study will add to the body of knowledge regarding gender stereotypes among children.