How these new dolls for boys are smashing gender norms
Dolls may not be the first things you think of when it comes to toys that combat gender roles, but this new line of dolls for boys are doing just that.
As reported by Teen Vogue, the brand, Boy Story, aims to deconstruct how we view gender norms by making dolls of boys — and while they may be catered to boys, the two sisters behind the brand want consumers to know the toys are meant for any child who wants to play with them.
These action dolls depict diversity and boast inclusive stories that help young boys feel connected to them -- and thus, comfortable playing with the toys. The idea came directly in response to the demand "give boys a doll that looks like them to play with."
The Boy Story dolls have been compared to the American Girl line of dolls, which are targeted at young girls — so these toys are providing a much-needed balance.
And while the market for children's toys is seriously gendered, companies like Boy Story are making moves to increase diversity -- smashing the limitations of masculinity that young boys are so often controlled by.
There’s a lot of good that companies like Boy Story are doing — not just challenging gender roles or giving young boys a new kind of toy to play with. These toys are helping redefine how we examine masculinity and gender, and changing how young children interpret the world around them. And they are coming to a playground near you — and that’s an incredible thing.
H/T Teen Vogue
