gendered self

We unconsciously portray our societal ideologies onto next generations, prolonging the gender stereotypes and lack of equality between sexes. The aim of my project and the design opportunity is to update the clished vocabulary and behaviours of adults towards children. I hope that kids believe that they can achieve anything, doesn’t matter what gender they are. When exploring ways in which the service could work, I kept in mind that ideally, it would be a part of the governmental scheme. For this reason I researched the already existing socio-political programs. This led me to develop a future scenario where Ministry of Integrity and Diversity has a place and a MIDO toy which is a part of it.


MIDO is a modular toy and an app that aims to free children from gender stereotypes through interactive engagement. This government provided service, teaches children about diversity supporting their passions and interests.

           

︎︎︎ To read more about the project keep scrolling ︎︎︎

project exploration

01. HYPOTHESIS

There is a range of behaviors that is generally considered appropriate or desirable for people based on their gender. This project is driven by my belief that gender stereotypes/roles can be harmful to the development of our population.
I believe that it is necessary for our society to make some changes within the value system and decide on their priorities.

As gender is a social issue I started many conversations with people of public. Through talking to various characters and personas I managed to gather a wide range of interpretations around this topic.
One of the questions I asked was:

Your nephew and niece are visiting for dinner what is the first thing you say when you see them?

Most people reacted to the boys picture by saying that he has grown, looks strong or smart. On the other hand reacting to girls picture mostly payed complements about her dress and appearance, only a couple of people reacted the same way to both children.

Afterwards I asked the ones that reacted differently to both children why they behaved in such manner, most of them said “Oh it’s just something you say’’ or thought that this is what the child wants to hear. Is it though? None of them meant anything hurtful but those innocent comments affect children which closely observe and repeat our every move. Children internalize those messages and create stereotypes of a pretty girl and a strong and smart boy.

    

Is preparing a child for a life in a binary world a solution to their moral and identity dilemmas? Allowing gender stigmas to affect the youngest citizens is simultaneous with agreeing to take away their freedom of thought, the possibility of making conscious decisions and self-expression. The hope stands that teaching about diversity and open mindedness can lead to happiness and fulfillment for all.

02. SPECULATION

YEAR 2025 - scientist and sociologists came to a conclusion that the society needs a rapid change or people will keep struggling with their identity which negatively affects development in all areas.
In response, the government established a Ministry of Integrity and Diversity (MID). It is an approach supported by a growing body of international evidence which shows that countries with more equal societies typically enjoy stronger, more sustainable growth over the long run. Their task is to change social habits that restrict individuality establishing society free from gender stereotypes.

When exploring ways in which the service could work, I kept in mind that ideally, it would be a part of the governmental scheme. For this reason I researched the already existing socio-political programs. This led me to develop a future scenario where Ministry of Integrity and Diversity has a place. 

                                  

         

There are 14 different pieces in the box, different body shapes,
types of hair, pieces of clothing. A child plays with the toy by constructing body blocks on top of eachother to create a person. Different combinations create new characters. When a new combination is discovered the app awards user with a story about the character. All personas have different characteristics, interests, jobs an families. It teaches the child about diversity as well as helps them to discover new passions.
Additionally some persona’s have animated stories, videos, tasks games and puzzles to encourage children to get involved in various activities.

When played with, the toy teaches children about diversity encouraging non-stereotypical thinking supporting new passions and interests.

               

The Government Equalities Office together with MIDO aims to change social habits in all aspects of life, establishing a society free from gender stereotypes that encourage individuality.

It is necessary for the society to make some changes within its value system and to decide on the priorities. It is becoming more and more of a burning question, what is more important: staying comfortably within the social gender stereotypes or personal mental health and improving self-worth. Is preparing a child for a life in a binary world a solution to their moral and identity dilemmas? Allowing gender stygmas to affect the youngest citizens is simultaneous with agreeing to take away their freedom of thought, the possibility of making conscious decisions and self-expression. The hope stands that teaching about diversity and openmindedness can lead to happiness and fulfillment for all.