Assignment: Gender Roles

Examine gender role stereotyping and gender similarities and differences by visiting your nearest toy store or online toy vendor with gender stereotyping in mind. Observe how genders roles are portrayed and propagated by the toy retailers. Based on your observations, submit a 2-3 page report discussing the relative contribution of nature vs. nurture on gender role development. In your report, be sure to respond to the following:

• Examine gender role stereotyping present in the store and provide specific examples of gender specific toys.
• Review the traditional gender roles that seem evident by the selection of gender appropriate toys.
• Explain gender development from both the nature and the nurture perspectives.
• Relate your observations to theories of gender role development and influences of cultural development.
• In addition, relate your observations to theories of gender role development. Be sure to include specific examples from the store and specific information from your research.