The Origins and Consequences of Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls
1. Introduction
Katha Pollitt’s “Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls?” is a short essay discussing the origins and consequences of why young men take on the role of powerful members of society and young women are left to play the role of tenderness. Although there are many factors that contribute to this, she ultimately blames it on the way society raises boys and girls to uphold different gender stereotypes. This can be seen throughout the essay as she talks about how boys are discouraged from playing with dolls and instead are encouraged to play with more “ masculine” toys like trucks and guns. Girls, on the other hand, are often encouraged to play with dolls and are discouraged from playing with more “masculine” toys. As a result, these stereotypes are perpetuated and children grow up adhering to them.
2. What Are the Origins of Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls?
Katha Pollitt attributes the origins of why boys don’t play with dolls to society’s raising of children with different gender stereotypes. She begins by talking about how in many cultures, it is perfectly normal for boys to play with dolls. In fact, in some cultures it is actually encouraged as it is seen as a way for them to learn about caring for others. It is only in Western cultures that boys are discouraged from playing with dolls and instead are encouraged to play with more “masculine” toys like trucks and guns. Girls, on the other hand, are often encouraged to play with dolls and are discouraged from playing with more “masculine” toys. As a result, these stereotypes are perpetuated and children grow up adhering to them.
3. What Are the Consequences of Boys Not Playing With Dolls?
There are several consequences of boys not playing with dolls that Katha Pollitt discusses in her essay. Firstly, she talks about how this contributes to the stereotype that men are supposed to be tough and emotionless while women are supposed to be emotional and nurturing. This is damaging not only to women but also to men as it limits their ability to express their emotions openly. Additionally, she talks about how this can lead to problems in intimate relationships later on in life as men may have trouble being emotionally open with their partners. Finally, she argues that this contributes to a culture of violence as boys grow up feeling like they need to be tough and strong in order to be respected by others.
4. Conclusion
Katha Pollitt’s “Why Boys Don’t Play With Dolls?” is a short but insightful essay that highlights the origins and consequences of why young men take on the role of powerful members of society and young women are left to play the role of tenderness. She ultimately blames this on the way society raises boys and girls to uphold different gender stereotypes. This can be seen throughout the essay as she talks about how boys are discouraged from playing with dolls and instead are encouraged to play with more “masculine” toys like trucks and guns. Girls, on the other hand, are often encouraged to play with dolls and are discouraged from playing with more “masculine” toys. As a result, these stereotypes are perpetuated and children grow up adhering to them.