Male vs. female Funko Pop!

Throughout various studies, it is shown that there are gender associations with different types of toys, categorizing them based on various qualities and characteristics. Therefore, it is interesting to analyse how toys are perceived in terms of gender-specific features like appearance, nurturance, domestic skills, manipulability, creativity, violence, competition, and more. Between boys’ and girls’ toys, there are often gender-specific design choices associated. Toys are usually categorized into gender-related categories like strongly and moderately masculine, neutral or moderately and strongly feminine. These categories are then analysed on various scales to understand the gender associations with different types of toys. Certain toys are perceived as more masculine or feminine based on specific characteristics like violence, competitiveness, and appearance (Blakemore & Centers, 2005).  

Stereotypes in Female Toys 

The toys produced by Funko Pop are known for their generic and famous features like big heads and black eyes, which contribute to their distinctions. However, a subtle yet significant difference exists between male and female figurines, particularly in the design of their eyes. Female figurines are characterized by almond-shaped eyes or long lashes, while male figurines typically have plain, round eyes. This distinction in eye shape between genders suggests a deliberate effort by the company to sensualize the feminine figure. By emphasizing features associated with traditional notions of femininity, such as the shape of the eyes and long eyelashes, Funko's design choices subtly reinforce gender stereotypes and contribute to objectifying female characters in their toys (Blakemore, & Centers, 2005). In this picture, we find Sansa with the almond-shaped eye, her brother who is a soldier portrayed with the classic round-shaped black eyes, and finally the second version of Sansa, this time reinforcing her femineity with the long eyelashes. 

We can also take, for example, Sansa's sister here depicted in the image. Arya Stark is often described as fiercely independent, spirited, and determined. She is portrayed as having a tomboyish attitude, preferring swordplay and adventure over traditional feminine activities and wardrobe. In the TV series, the character of Arya is forced to pretend to be a boy to survive and to learn to defend herself. She then cuts her hair and starts training to fight. Even with all these characteristics, the long eyelashes are still portrayed on the figurines to reinforce the fact that she is a girl. Despite Arya Stark's character being known for her non-traditional gender role and combat abilities, the representation of her as a Funko Pop with long eyelashes represents a desire for more traditional feminine features associated with female toys. This highlights the complexities in how characters like Arya Stark, who challenge gender norms and has traits typically associated with boys, are translated into merchandise like Funko Pop. The design choices in creating these may sometimes prioritize certain stereotypical feminine characteristics, such as long eyelashes, to perhaps appeal to a broader audience or fit in the conventional gender norms in toys. We can see a difference between character representation, gender stereotypes, and toy merchandising.