About this episode
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’s brain, their sense of self and even the opportunities they have in later life. She is a professor of psychology in America’s Monmouth University and has given an address in the White House on gender disparities in children’s 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.)
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Conversation publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
