Stereotypical words and images make children more likely to choose stereotypical toys, according to a new study published in Sex Roles.

Stereotypical words and images make children more likely to choose stereotypical toys, according to a new study published in Sex Roles. When given sentences and images of a boy with toy cars and a girl with My Little Pony, 4-7-year-olds were more likely to say that kids should play with gendered toys; when given “counter-stereotypical” images and words, they were more willing to break gender stereotypes. One psychologist said this shows “that children’s ads shape and reinforce stereotypes,” and argues that children who only play with toys that match their gender “are missing out on a whole host of skills.” (NYTimes)