Representation of Gender in Contemporary Toy Design

Throughout the history, toys have always signified gender, in order to make children learn their future roles. Contemporary toys transmit even stronger messages on gender. In this study, contemporary toys are examined in terms of the signification of gender. Focus of this study is the representation of femininity through toy design. Dolls are discussed considering representation of femininity. Finally, Barbie doll is discussed in further detail; including the general design characteristics and messages that the toy transmits about femininity.

Autorentext

Secil Icke was born in Izmir, Turkey in 1990. She studied Industrial Design as Bachelor and Design Studies as MA in Izmir University of Economics, where she has 2 years of work experience as Research Assistant in the department of Industrial Design. Currently she is a student in Product Service System Design MSc program of Politecnico di Milano.