Make a list of toys and games that boys typically play and another for girls. If there is a difference between the two lists, can you think of some reasons why this is so? Does this have any relationship to the roles children have to play as adults?

Toys and Games Typically Associated with Boys:
1. Toy cars, trucks, and construction sets.
2. Action figures, superhero toys, and sports equipment.
3. Building blocks and video games with action themes.

Toys and Games Typically Associated with Girls:
1. Dolls, dollhouses, and play kitchen sets.
2. Dress-up costumes, arts and crafts kits, and tea sets.
3. Pretend makeup sets and toys focusing on nurturing activities.

Reasons for Differences:
1. Social Expectations: Society dictates certain toys as appropriate for each gender.
2. Marketing Strategies: Advertisers target specific genders, reinforcing stereotypes.
3. Parental and Peer Influence: Adults and peers inadvertently reinforce gender-specific toy preferences.

These differences in toys can influence children’s perceptions of gender roles, potentially impacting their future roles and interests as adults by reinforcing stereotypical expectations about gender-specific activities and occupations. However, individual preferences may vary beyond these stereotypes, encouraging diversity in interests and roles.