Sociology Paper
Toys are more than playthings. Toys act as agents of socialization on many levels, some obvious and some more subtle.
Take a trip to Toys R Us. Make sociological observations and collect data on the following:
1. Note the colors used to differentiate girls’ and boys’ toys.
2. Note the language used on packaging that attracts one gender or the other.
3. List at least three (3) common themes observed among gilrs’ toys and 3 common themes among boys’ toys.
Using the data that you gather, write an essay addressing the following items:
1. What socialization messages about gender are being conveyed to children through playing with toys? Select specific toys that you observed to serve as examples.
2. What cultural norms and values (aside from gender) are being supported and encouraged by play with toys? Again, use specific toys as examples.
3. Discuss the differences in socialization messages with regard to age-specific toys. For example, how are pre-school toys qualitatively different than toys marketed to 10-12 year olds?
Finally,
4. Apply one of the theoretical perspectives that best explains your observations.
Your finished essay should be between 3-4 pages, double-spaced.
You must use at least one outside source in addition to your textbook. Cite your references properly.
One source is the textbook, which is “mastering sociology” By Henslin. Since there is no ebook, I have provided a link with the textbook vocabularies you can include or paraphrase from the book (http://quizlet.com/38522541/mastering-sociology-henslin-ch-4-flash-cards/): this will be the ONE source. The other source you are free to find others.