This picture was done in one of the child development centers that is considered the best place to observe how children in their early age learn gender scripts and perform their gender roles. Dimmed frame around the picture immediately focuses our attention on two small boys who are not even 2-years old. At such an early age they already prefer to stay in the same-sex surrounding thus strictly segregating themselves from the girls which are seen on the background. Probably they are not potty trained yet, but they already make conscious distinction between two opposite genders. Like boys, girls behave the same way preferring to play with same-sex children. This observation proves the statement from our class reading that “gender segregation and hostility toward the other sex are the most prominent features of childhood gender relations.” (56)
The location of the boys on the foreground and the girls behind them is very symbolic because design rules assume putting the main element in the center to stress its importance. The same principle is used in the picture to emphasize the male dominance and their higher status in the society as if to compare with girls.
Another important element of the picture is the table with toys. The table is captured as a point-up triangle the shape of which is interpreted as masculine element in the spiritual literature. Besides, the type of toys reveals boys’ preferences prescribed by gender. Despite of big amount of boxes with different toys on the shelves, boys definitely choose between trains and cars to play with. The cars can be viewed as a symbol of masculinity because men are usually associated with technical items. On the contrast, the girls are playing with cupcake shapes, filling them out with play dough. This activity imitates the process of cooking food what is typically attributed to women. This preference for specific type of toys by boys and girls emphasizes the great power for future socialization of both genders. Generally speaking, the picture suggests that these young children “avoid being seen playing with toys associated with the other gender.” (60)
1 comment:
I like the way this picture is set up, showing the two boys playing together and right behind them are all the girls playing together. Even at this young of an age boys and girls are already separated by gender and also are playing with their “society’s norm” toys. You have the boys playing with the car and trucks and the girls in the back playing with the cooking toys and play dough. With the boys also being in the very front of the picture it’s symbolizing that men are the main focus, they are supposed to take the lead, while the women are in the back less noticed, yet still apart of the big picture.
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