Amigurumi toys: Alternative to ‘gendered’ toys
Toy shelves are a reflection of gender stereotypes and inequalities in the adult world. When we enter a toy store, we see that cleaning toy sets and toy kitchen sets are in the girls' section. Girls think these toys were produced for them and go towards such toys. At the end of the day, girls have to develop their skills not in technology, but in areas such as baby care, cooking, and cleaning, as they are kept away from toys such as cars and planes. In other words, girls are given a message saying, “Stay at home, and raise children, cook, and clean house.” Amigurumi toys are an alternative to these stereotypes.
Zeynep Akgül
Ankara- There are stereotypes saying pink is for girls and blue for boys. And these stereotypes create a different world for girls and boys. When household appliances toys such as dollhouses, vacuum cleaners, and ovens are sold on pink shelves, they say housework and care work are the responsibility of girls. This marketing strategy narrows children's options, limits their potential, and leads to gender discrimination among children. Children may love pink or blue, it is okay as long as they have equal access to all toys that support scientific skills and critical thinking. The problem is the pink-blue in marketing strategy. This marketing strategy admits that boys and girls may not like the same toys, boys are not interested in housework or childcare, girls are not in engineering or science. In my opinion, amigurumi toys break these taboos and stereotypes.
We talk with sociologist Ezgi Sıla İpek about the effects of games and toys on children's development, the world of amigurumi toys against sexism, and her story with amigurumi toys.
•How did you decide to crochet amigurumi toys? Do your works on child sexual abuse and children's rights cause you to crochet amigurumi toys?
Actually, I am good at crocheting for long years. Sometimes, l crocheted but sometimes I never did it. I started by crocheting a patterned blanket, then I discovered amigurumi. I can say that I started amigurumi with the desire to crochet toys for myself. Later, when I started my thesis and saw the meaning of toys, I became more interested. After a while, it became one of my hobbies. When the children are born, they are subjected to many stereotypes of the adult world. Children are raised according to adult life and social role models. It's about building a personality according to the norms of adult life. Childhood is a period in which children become socialized and understand life.
“I pay attention to the colors when I make toys!”
•Amigurumi toys are also an alternative to plastic and gendered toys. How do gendered approaches to toy selection affect the psychology of children?
I think violent toys are the most dangerous ones. They make children prone to violence while making them think they (toys) are a normal part of life. For example, there is no such thing in amigurumi. There are mainly baby and animal designs. I even pay attention to the colors I crochet when some ask me to crochet a toy for them. Amigurumi has a lot of designs and varieties rather than many techniques. In order to give shape to the toys, it is necessary to use crochet needles well. I try to not use a chemical as soon as I can. I usually use wooden buttons. I also take care of packaging them.