Gender Stereotypes in STEM Toy Advertisement

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Mentor: Dr. Brooke Schaab
Psychology

Description/Abstract/Artist Statement

Women are significantly outnumbered by men in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and the gender stereotype of STEM toys perpetuate this gap. STEM toys, which introduce children to spatial and mathematical skills needed to succeed in STEM careers, are marketed directly to boys, denying girls early opportunities to develop an interest in STEM. The purpose of this study was to examine holiday toy catalogs to determine if this stereotype still existed. Researchers found that STEM toys were still not advertised equally, but, surprisingly, they are now being advertised with no models at all.

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium

Start Date

2-18-2017 8:00 AM

End Date

2-18-2017 12:30 PM

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Feb 18th, 8:00 AM Feb 18th, 12:30 PM

Gender Stereotypes in STEM Toy Advertisement

Learning Commons @ Perry Library, Northwest Atrium

Women are significantly outnumbered by men in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, and the gender stereotype of STEM toys perpetuate this gap. STEM toys, which introduce children to spatial and mathematical skills needed to succeed in STEM careers, are marketed directly to boys, denying girls early opportunities to develop an interest in STEM. The purpose of this study was to examine holiday toy catalogs to determine if this stereotype still existed. Researchers found that STEM toys were still not advertised equally, but, surprisingly, they are now being advertised with no models at all.