Publication

Over the past few decades, societal perceptions of gender roles have undergone a seismic shift. Traditionally, boys and girls were assigned distinct roles, leading to stereotypes regarding behaviour, interests, and career choices. However, with the advancement of social culture, these boundaries have gradually blurred, prompting a reevaluation of gender roles and heralding a more inclusive multicultural era.

Historical Background: The Conventions of Gender Roles

The formation of gender roles is intricately linked to historical and cultural contexts. Since the Industrial Revolution, society has maintained a clear division between the professional roles of men and women. Men have typically been encouraged to pursue achievements in science, finance, business, and sports. At the same time, women were expected to remain within the domains of home, education, and nursing. These divisions have profoundly influenced societal expectations regarding individuals and their self-identities.

The toy market serves as a microcosm of these stereotypes. Boys are often encouraged to play with models, vehicles, or military toys, fostering competitive and adventurous spirits, while girls are directed towards dolls or kitchen sets, emphasising emotional
care, domestic management, and connections to fashion and beauty. Such stereotypical frameworks shape gender socialisation and significantly impact children's self-perception. Psychologist Vivian Hampton notes, "The socialisation process of gender roles begins at a young age, influencing children's self-concepts and future choices." These role definitions affect not only toy selection but also construct societal expectations that boys should be "strong and independent" and girls should be "gentle and nurturing". Such stereotypes impose invisible limitations on individual development.

Social Transformation: Challenging and Breaking Gender Frameworks

With the advent of the 21st century, feminist movements and concepts of gender equality have gained momentum. Gender is no longer viewed as a binary classification; rather, it is understood as a spectrum, prompting a reevaluation of gender equality across various societal domains. For example, in the toy market, an increasing number of companies are launching gender-neutral product lines, allowing children to freely choose toys without the constraints of gender stereotypes. The rebranding of Barbie is
a symbolic breakthrough in this regard. Once merely a representation of fashion and beauty, Barbie now showcases diverse professional identities — scientists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and doctors — challenging traditional gender role frameworks and providing children with more inspiring role models. This transformation has also encouraged businesses to focus more on diversity and inclusivity in product design.

In the workplace, we are witnessing a similar shift in gender roles: women are entering fields such as technology, finance, and engineering, historically dominated by men, while men are increasingly participating in professions traditionally associated with women, such as education and nursing. Sociologist Emily Butler states, "The redefinition of gender roles offers us the opportunity to challenge traditional boundaries and unveil a broader range of possibilities."

Identity Projection in Design: Trends Towards Emotion and Personalisation

In the field of design, the exploration of identity and self-recognition has become a significant trend. Emotional design emphasises that the value of objects arises not only from their functionality but also from the emotional resonance they evoke. Designers are increasingly aware that items are not merely practical tools but extensions of our identities and vessels of memory.

Customisation is a concrete manifestation of this trend. Consumers seek products that reflect their personal styles and values, prompting companies to offer more customisation options. For instance, Taiwan's "Woodsmart Workshop" is renowned for
its custom furniture, allowing consumers to participate in the design process by selecting materials and craftsmanship, creating items that suit personal tastes and carry emotional significance. This approach deepens the meaning of objects and integrates design into self-expression.

At the same time, the design trends associated with the circular economy are profoundly influencing gender orientation, leading to more diverse product designs. In this context, designers must consider the needs of different gender groups, which has prompted the rise of gender-neutral toys and clothing. This not only challenges traditional gender stereotypes but also aligns with sustainable design principles. Furthermore, the circular economy encourages designers to incorporate diverse gender and cultural perspectives into the product development process, thereby promoting the evolution of inclusive design. This signifies a shift where design is no longer targeted solely at a specific gender but instead aims to meet the needs of all users, breaking away from conventional gender roles.

As the concept of the circular economy gains traction, design education increasingly emphasises gender equality and social responsibility, encouraging future designers to focus on creating gender-friendly products. This shift contributes to raising awareness and promoting practices related to gender equality within society. In summary, the circular economy not only advances sustainability and emotional connection but also fosters inclusivity and diversity in gender orientation, encouraging individuals to challenge traditional gender roles and facilitating overall social progress.

Cultural Reflection: Behavioural Reshaping of a New Generation and the Impact of Social Media

In the context of social and cultural changes, the behavioural patterns of the younger generation have become more fluid. They are no longer constrained by gender frameworks, actively exploring personal interests and identities. Boys begin engaging in activities such as dance and painting, which were previously considered feminine, while girls excel in sports, challenging traditional gender expectations.

Social media has further propelled this transformation. Through community platforms, young people can share their hobbies and ideas, finding support within their communities. This digital environment fosters cultural inclusivity and encourages a more diverse expression of identities. Additionally, film and television media have started to produce content that emphasises gender diversity — female characters are no longer relegated to supporting roles. Still, they are portrayed as independent, capable protagonists, providing young audiences with new role models.

Design Trends and Future Perspectives: Exploring a Diverse and Inclusive World

Gender equality and multiculturalism are gradually integrated into the design field, emerging as significant trends. Inclusive design emphasises that products should meet the needs of diverse genders and user groups, thereby promoting societal inclusivity. Gender-neutral fashion has also become a trend, with designers creating works that transcend gender boundaries, allowing more robust expression of self-identity. 

In the educational sector, we are witnessing a gradual change in teaching methods within schools and families, with an increasing emphasis on the values of gende equality and multiculturalism. These educational principles encourage children to explore their interests freely, establish healthy self-identities, and cultivate empathy and social responsibility.

Towards an Inclusive and Diverse Future

The transition from gender stereotypes to multiculturalism is a process filled with challenges and hope. It not only reflects a societal rethinking of gender roles but also showcases the contemporary younger generation's exploration and pursuit of identity. Gender and identity can now be self-defined, redefined, and constructed through different mediums on different occasions, depending on one’s preference. This movement makes a variety of design domains flourish, shaped by national culture and released by persona awareness.