Abstract The paper shows that gender roles are perpetuated and learned through gender socialization and that toys are considered a type of gender socializing agent. The paper argues that social formation of gender by the means of toys is detrimental to the whole equity of society, because it reinforces gender differentiation and sexism. The paper gives several examples of toys which promote gender-specific messages such as baby dolls and play make-up for little girls. Finally, the paper looks at ways to reverse gender stereotyping in our society and shows how several toy manufactures are shedding the gender stereotypes on their products.
From the Paper "Thus, gender distinctions imposed by societal culture and framework define the behaviors of male and female individuals, which are arranged in a pattern. Women cannot do the things prescribed for men, and vice versa. Hence, we observe that toys are a form of gender socialization, which in turn, transmits the gender roles. In turn, gender roles contribute to cultural and social framework, which are imposed upon newborns through the socializing agents, such as toys. This forms a cycle that explains how gender role socialization reflects and constitutes the framework of the American society."
Abstract The paper shows that despite the fact that a woman ruled England in the time that William Shakespeare lived, the place of women in renaissance society was limited to specific rules and limitations, guided by lessons of virtue and demure conduct. By examining Kate in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew", the paper discusses how she represents the way women of her temperament would be treated in Shakespeare's era - she would be broken of her waggish ways and learn decorum, humility and essentially her lowly place.
From the Paper "While people today are allowed a greater range of acceptable personality traits in Shakespeare's time, there were greater limits place on how one manifested him or herself in the world; however the restraints placed on people doesn't mean that different personality types didn't emerge. As we know from modern psychology, personality is developed as a way to meet ones needs and despite how society might wish to limit expressions of those needs, personalities will develop independent of our best effort to control them. Women in seventeenth century England were not all of one mind or of one action. And that showed throughout Shakespeare's work."
