PSYCH 500 Paper

PSYCH 500 Paper

Toys play a crucial role in influencing various aspects of children, such as behaviour, self-concept and identity. The influence on the children is dependent on the category of toys they use. The toys that promote aggression may make children to be violent. For instance, toy guns may make young children to admire the use of guns. Some of the violent video games also trigger the desire by children to fight among each other. Some toys may make children to stay aloof from other children; they make them to be autonomous, thus influencing the self-concept aspect of the children. A good example of toys that promote self-concept is Barbie and G.I Joe (Starr, 2013). They form self concept in children.

            Positive and negative gender stereotyping begins at birth. The parents usually choose masculine toys for boys, while girls are given toys that are more neutral. It is clear that there is negative gender stereotyping to boys, as observed in the parents actions. The boys are more associated with violent toys as compared to girls whose toys are associated with beauty and jewellery. My research on toys and gender has reinforced my perception that girls are groomed to be more responsible in the society as compared to boys whose association with masculine and violent toys may make them to be tyrants in the society.

I believe that some toys may increase the likelihood of aggressive behaviour in children. A good case is when the children are in school. A kid who is used to violent video games may try to practice what he sees at home when the other kids intimidate him. This is a common thing in schools; the kids usually give themselves the names of the characters in the video games, and then try to outwit each other physically. My research on toys and aggression asserts my position on the contribution of toys to aggressiveness. Children will no or with less aggressive toys are more calm, but in some circumstances the other kids may influence them to gain interest in immoral acts.

Barbie toys promote stereotypes. The toy is available in a variety of forms such as races, professions, and colours that may appeal to people of different. Through this toy image, most girls think that perfect and socially acceptable woman should be thin, glamorous, silent, and happy (Bengii, 2005). The toys mention above does not discourage stereotype. The masculine toys for boys make them think that men are associated with strength and aggressiveness while the Barbie toys for girls give them a perception of beauty and glamour for women. The above toys do not indicate cultural stereotypes. They do indicate any form of biasness on a certain culture or ethnic group. This may enhance the development of self-concept and identity by making the kids accept other people from different race since the toys do not show any cultural superiority. The toys that promote pro-social behaviour are crucial in promoting peaceful co-existence among children of different background. They teach courtesy and how to relate to ways of relating to one another.

References

Bengii, A. (2005). Barbie against Superman: Gender Stereotypes and Gender Equity in the Classroom.

Starr, D. (2013). How Toys Teach Children Stereotypical Gender Roles. Retrieved from<http://www.unc.edu/~dcderosa/STUDENTPAPERS/childrenbattles/toysrusdenise.htm>[Accessed on 15^th March 2013].