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Clothing and Toy Observation Assignment

Outcomes: The purpose of this assignment is to give you a chance to 1) analyze how children experience gender socialization in mainstream American culture and 2) to practice collecting data through analysis of existing material culture. You will need to visit at least one store to observe both children’s toys and children’s clothing. Examples of stores that work well for this assignment are: Wal-mart, Fred Meyer and Target.

Part I: Field Notes- Visit a store that sells both clothing and toys (alternatively you could visit a toy store AND a children’s clothing store). You should spend a minimum of one hour recording your observations. Take a notebook or laptop to record your observations. Remember, your goal is to make a comprehensive, detailed description of what you saw. Make a list of the items intended for boys and a separate list of items intended for girls. If you observe gender-neutral items put them in a separate list. Be sure to pay attention to and describe the fabrics, colors, textures, patterns, decorations, functions, writing, and images of the toys/clothing you observe.

Remember, your purpose is to focus on the material culture, so you do not need to observe people for this assignment. Also, you are NOT conducting any interviews or interacting with the members of the culture.

You will hand in these Field Notes. If you handwrite them, it is acceptable to scan them for online submission.

Part II: Analysis-Read through your fieldnotes and try to answer the following questions:

• Were there any recurring incidents or themes?

• What are some of the gendered messages that are sent to American children through toys and clothing?

• Do toys and clothing send different cultural messages to boys and girls in the United States?

• What can be learned about American cultural norms associated with gender by observing material culture of children?

Reread your notes several more times, considering what you’ve learned about socialization in this class, especially gender socialization. Write a brief analysis (minimum of 500 words) of your findings including relevant course concepts. Now consider how your findings confirm or refute the ideas articulated in Guys and Dolls No More. Provide specific examples to support your claim. Don’t forget to include citations and references in APA style where appropriate!

See the grading rubric below

Grading Rubric