#4: How we can change gender norms to fit our modern society

This article from NY Times explains the role gender norms have played throughout our history. Gender norms are something that seems to have always been present in our society, but as the article points out gender norms were not nearly as prevalent in the late 1970’s as they are now.  Around 1975 there were barely any separations between boys and girls toys, but around 1995 gender roles were re-introduced into the world.  The author of the article discusses the stigma on both children and parents of buying toys that don’t follow usual gender norms. Most boy toys in the market have to do with action and handiwork, while most girl toys have to do with beauty and housework.  Parents are stuck in a cycle of buying gender-typed toys for their children, making it nearly impossible for kids to think otherwise. Toy companies are also stuck in a cycle of making gender specific toys, and until that ends gender norms will never fully be gone.

In the beginning of the article the author makes an interesting comparison.  If toys were separated by race there would be public outrage, so how is that any different than separating toys by gender? This article also points out how this generation seems to be taking a step back when it comes to getting rid of gender norms.  The more prevalent these gender norms become in our society, the harder it becomes for children to break out of them, or even feel like its acceptable for them to break out of them. This article also includes the viewpoint of parents.  It seems like it is almost harder for parents to allow their children to break gender norms out of fear of what other parents would think, but what kind of message is this sending to their children? If parents are so focused on gender types, their children will have no chance of ever breaking the mold. This will also enforce the thought in children’s mind that they have to hide who they are. We currently pride ourselves on being a modern and forward-thinking society, so why are we moving backwards when it comes to gender norms and the atmosphere our children grow up in?