The development of toys and video games with animals: which consequences and signification?

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate that specialized video games concerning animals or animal care, especially for girls, may lead to virtual activities and /or real care of animals, which may later cause some girls to consider a profession in animal care. In order to test our hypothesis, in 2009 we conducted – through the reading of toy-catalogues in supermarkets and toy stores (randomly selected) – a statistical study with the regards to the number of male and female characters shown on the packages of video games (for computers, Nintendo, and television) which were related to animals, horse-riding and/or the profession of veterinarian (vet”), in order to find out if these games were more particularly intended for girls. We completed this study by examining the packaging (i.e. boxes) – their color and the title of the video game. Furthermore, a qualitative analysis was conducted on the characteristics and roles played by boys and girls in the video games examined, in order to determine what roles are assigned to each sex in these games concerning animals.