Help with sociology project..

[Southernbelle]

When my son was little (age 2-4), his only playmate was his big sister (2 years older than him) and since she played with tea sets, dolls and dress-up, that's what he wanted to do, too. DH was a little upset to find him wearing dresses and things, but we didn't make a big deal about it to him. As DS got older, he developed his own interests - mostly outdoor play and wasn't interested in playing with his sister when she was playing girly things. He's almost 9 now and very into all-boy things. I don't think he remembers playing dress-ups.

 

[growinupinfl]

Who ever has voted thank you, and those who will vote thank you in advance.

This project is gonna be so much fun, now after I get all these votes I get to move on to the next part of my project.

I'm havving my 11 and 10 year old sons go to the mall and have them sit in the resting area and play with dolls. We will have different people observing people for their facial reactions that are indicators of contempt, disgust, approval, and happiness. The people will actually have to make eye contact with the boys then we will check off what facial expression they make in return. I am comparing what people think theoretically about boys playing with dolls, and how they react in the actual situation of boys playing with dolls. It shall be interesting.

The best way to describe my class is sociology but it is actually Interdisciplinary Social Science Research. I think this is a fun study, but my boys are making me pay them to do this, LOL.. They drive a hard bargain, 20 dollars each per a setting, I need two settings.. Dang it.

What do all of you think, do you think people's reactions will agree with what the poll is saying?

Thanks,
Christal

 

[turney31]

I voted. I think its fine for them to play with dolls. But that said, I feel the public reactions to a 10 and 11 year old boys playing with dolls will draw scathing looks. I wish I could be a fly on the wall. LOL.

 

[Moabite]

I saw a couple little girls playing trucks out in the dirt behind a trailerhouse. This struck me as kind of odd, so I quietly approached so I could listen to the story line. They had a Momma truck, a Daddy truck and a baby truck! Somethings will never change.

I remember playing with dolls as a kid. G.I. Joe and Starwars action figures taking on the much bigger He-man and his super tall, evil villain, dominatrix, Barbie! My imagination never stuck with the manufacture's story lines, we would make our own. But like most boys, the themes revolved around heroism, war and destruction.

 

[welsummerchicks]

The majority said it's fine as long as the male kid chooses for himself, but from my experiences, I would say that very few people wouldn't actually have a fit if their boy showed up saying, 'I want to grow up and be Barby!'

 

[growinupinfl]

It should be very interesting. I heard a thing on the radio the other day where a lady let her 5yr old son dress up as Daphne and people freaked out! With this being the reaction it should be cool to see how it turns out.

http://nerdyapplebottom.com/2010/11/02/my-son-is-gay/#comments

It is interesting her comments about it being mothers. The most recent study I read, mothers listed they would be more upset than fathers if their sons had effeminate behavior, and fathers seemed to be more accepting. I find that really interesting.

What do ya'll think as adults do you think moms or dads?

Christal