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  • Essay / Gender Roles of Gender and Gender at Walmart - 705

    That is, boys will usually get blue clothes or toys while girls will get pink clothes or toys. “Children’s toys and games are also differentiated according to gender” (Diekman and Murnen 2004; Seccombe p.99). Through these toys or by playing with these toys, boys and girls would eventually distinguish the differences between men and women; it can also reinforce and perpetuate traditional gender stereotypes. For example, boys or men are expected to act and behave in ways that have been considered masculine or associated with masculinity (Seccombe p.104); “men are often seen as more aggressive, sexual, emotionless, rational and task-oriented than women” (Seccombe p.93); and so, action figures, such as Superman, WWE wrestling toys and Hulk, are designed for boys to play with. While the roles of girls or women are associated with femininity (Seccombe p.104); “women are supposed to be more caring, passive and dependent” (Seccombe p.93); So, the cooking and baking utensils and dolls with bottle and diaper set are designed for girls, so that they can apply their nurturing and cooking skills when they grow up and mainly do household chores. Personally, I think these toys have both a negative and positive influence on children's socialization. For example, playing with toy guns or military toys with a knife can lead to early exposure to violence and aggression. However, some toys, such as building sets and Lego blocks, arts and crafts have a powerful and influential influence on children's thinking and thinking.