Abstract
The first American paper dolls were created in the early nineteenth century and continue to have an enduring appeal today. In this paper, we explore the evolution of paper dolls by examining specimens from the UNT Libraries Patricia Fertel Paper Doll Collection, 1865-2020, along with some contemporary paper dolls, as image and media produced cultural objects of imaginal play that serve to both influence and reflect gender identity. This evolution has never been fully examined in a systematic way. Semiotics, cultural studies, and social cognitive theory are the frameworks through which the paper dolls are interpreted. A literature review of the research on the cultural history of paper dolls, as well as key behavioral studies concerning gender stereotypes and play were examined for context. The images of the paper dolls (including view, gaze, age, types of clothing and accessories) are examined for their symbolic content, and the role these aspects might play in gender identity and agency according to behavioral studies. The results of this interpretive work reveal that the most popular contemporary paper dolls continue to reinforce gender normative identities, but some gender-neutral paper dolls have emerged recently that more fully reflect the plurality of gender identities present in society. These findings suggest that doll development is becoming more responsive to gender non-conforming children, as opposed to reinforcing traditional gender stereotypes.
Presenters
Rebecca BarhamArt Research Librarian, Library Research Support Services, University of North Texas, Texas, United States Yvonne Dooley
Business Librarian, Public Services Division, University of North Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Paper Dolls, Toys, Children, Imagination, Play, Identity, Gender, Agency, Culture
