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Are dolls good for girls?

Kim Chakanetsa speaks to psychologist Dr Lisa Dinella and to doll maker Sunaina Somu Divakar.

Kim Chakanetsa speaks to a psychologist and a doll maker to discuss the impact of playing with toys on the brain.

Dr Lisa Dinella is an expert on how toys influence the child鈥檚 brain, their sense of self and even the opportunities they have in later life. She is a professor of psychology in America鈥檚 Monmouth University and has given an address in the White House on gender disparities in children鈥檚 media and toys.

Sunaina Somu Divakar is the founder of a doll company that aims to challenge stereotypes and bring more representation to the Indian toy market. In 2020, influenced by the Black Lives Matter movement and becoming a mother, Sunaina founded Wild Little Society, a company that sells dolls with a range of different brown skin tones and outfits.

Produced by Sarah Kendal.

(Image: (L) Dr Lisa Dinella, credit Andrew Beldowicz. (R) Sunaina Somu Divakar, credit Balamurali Gurusamy.)

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27 minutes

Last on

Mon 23 Oct 2023 22:32GMT

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  • Mon 23 Oct 2023 03:32GMT
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  • Mon 23 Oct 2023 22:32GMT

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