Lego’s survey
The Lego Group recently commissioned a research, which surveyed about 7,000 parents and children aged six to 14 in China, the Czech Republic, Japan, Poland, Russia, the UK and the U.S. What the research found has been startling and eye-opening. Among other findings, it showed that many boys (71%) worried “they would be made fun of if they played with a toy typically associated with the opposite gender”: this number was much lower (42%) in girls. The research also revealed that about “76% of the parents surveyed said they would encourage their son to play with Legos, only 24% of parents would recommend it to a daughter. Following this, on October 11-on the United Nations International Day of The Girl – Lego made the announcement that it will focus on creating inclusive toys, and won’t label its products for girls” or “for boys”. Its website also does not allow searches by gender any longer. It is understood that the toymaker will be focussing on “passions and interests” rather than on “gender-focussed product groups”.
What is gender stereotyping?
Gender stereotyping is the biased assumption that people of one specific gender possess only a specific set of traits or abilities. Giving children certain types of toys to play with and specific tasks to perform, and telling them they can take up only certain kinds of profession forces and conditions children into believing that they are capable of doing only what they’ve been assigned. This is harmful in many ways. It stops them from doing what they want, what they have a natural ability and keen interest for, and giving wings to their dreams. Not just that, they also may start believing that only what they do is right, and make fun of others who follow their heart freely. In the long run, this may cause physical, emotional, and psychological issues, leading them to live an unhappy and unfulfilling life.
How does inclusivity help?
Presumptions about what toys one can play with, what books one can read, or what profession a person from a certain gender can/ must pursue are just that – presumptions. Toys, games, and books benefit the people using them in several ways, and have nothing to do with gender. For instance, studies have shown that playing with construction blocks help with spatial (relating to space) awareness, Maths, problem-solving, etc. Playing with dolls can increase empathy, social and nurturing skills, processing of information, language skills, and such. In addition, toys have the ability of improving motor skills, hand-eye coordination, promoting generosity, physical fitness, mental agility, time management, independence, planning, diplomacy, sympathy, self-esteem, confidence, etc. These are useful for everyone irrespective of their gender. When children grow up in an atmosphere that allows them to be open-minded and free to be who they are, as adults they will play an important role in creating an equal and empathetic society.
Picture Credit : Google