How are toy stores gendered?

Question

ive been writing this paper for my women studies class about how toy stores are gendered. and ive gotten really interested in the subject. i was wondering what other people thought.

Answer 1

Are you speaking of toy stores in this century?  I would interview some toy buyers for some of your larger stores. There is wonderful Reference on the French Toy market mainly in Paris and the making of the French Dolls and Toys after the Franco Prushian (sp)  War of 1860. Look for The Encyclopedia of French Dolls, for the German History, German Doll Encyclopedia 1800-1939. And Also the Colman Book The Collectors Encyclopedia of Dolls. There was a wonderful book for a masters or Doctorate program on the American industrial History of the dolls and toys. Its a very interesting history, I can not find my copy to give you the name. Also look for the Antiques of American Childhood.