FOR BOYS OR GIRLS? GENDER CULTURAL REPRESENTATIONS IN TOY PACKAGING

Abstract

Objective: to analyze gender-representative images on toy packaging for children over three years of age. Method: this is a photo ethnographic study developed in play sections of six department stores located in one of the municipalities in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro in August 2018. Image analysis was applied to 17 photographs of toy packages according to criteria repetition, content type and low cost to purchase, associated with content analysis. Results: the images partially reflect their content. The gender colors in the packaging and contents are traditional (pink and lilac) and unrealistic in the toys for girls. Those with images of boys have neutral and realistic colors (gray, olive green, navy blue). Miniaturized or life-size toys items “for girls” include those that encourage playing ‘house’ (dish rack and cups), personal care (makeup and clothing) and maternity (dolls). “For boys”, they strengthen the social image of family protector (hero), home provider (tools, builder, and executive) and “male” professions (cook, fireman, policeman). Conclusion: these images reinforce binary conceptions of gender, stereotyped in society, rooting cultural constructions of the adult world in the development of children over three years old.