“Why Do I Think This Way?” explores the social construct of gender and how society defines gender. Students brainstorm what dominant message our culture tells us about how boys and girls should act, be, or do.

Students examine advertisements that are gender-neutral and ones that affirm society’s gender bias. Students then create or redesign an ad to be gender-neutral. Students follow up by writing a persuasive letter to a toy manufacturer or a store to request that they change the way they market toys or goods to a specific gender.   

The goal of this case study is to bring an awareness to gender biases and the ways by which society influences how we think about gender. Students have the opportunity to think critically about their identities and how society impacts their thoughts about themselves and others.