Biological
Even though women have increased their presence in the workforce over the last half-century, in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) they are still greatly underrepresented (see charts) (Barr, 2014).
© 2014 Communications of the ACM
© 2014 Communications of the ACM
It has been argued that this is partly due to how toys which teach spatial reasoning are usually geared towards and encouraged for boys rather than girls. On the other hand, girls toys usually center around topics such as relationships, housework, beauty, and fashion. It could be due to this difference in toys at a young age that leads to women not being interested in STEM careers. Therefore, both boys and girls should have the opportunity to play with a variety of toys. Thankfully, Rigamajig does not follow these stereotypes. Not only do they show both males and females in their advertisements, but show the different genders working together as well (Smith, 2014).
Social
A large component of the Rigamajig is how the teachers/leaders/parents interact with their child while they are creating and playing. The brochure encourages adults to spend a lot of time observing and listening to the children while they create and build. However, there are some ‘play prompts’ that are recommended only after the children have been using the Rigamajig for an extended length of time and need a new point of view. Above all, they encourage asking questions such as, “what if…have you tried…could you…?” (Rigamajig, n.d.).
Economics & Culture
The largest economic factor with the Rigamajig is it’s cost. Because the set at a commercial price costs around $3,500, that excludes a large part of America’s students’ parents from purchasing it. That is partly why a lot of schools are encouraged to apply for a grant through Dr Pepper and receive their own Rigamajig. The grant process is extensive and involves lots of specifics such as how many students will use the Rigamajig and for how many estimated hours, yet is a great way for lots of students to gain access to this educational toy (Rigamajig Grant Program, 2014).
Furthermore, according to the center for American Progress, women in the United States are more likely to be poor. In 2007, 13.8 percent of females were poor, and 11.1 percent of males were poor. This translates directly to Rigamajigs. Because this new toy is fairly expensive, it not only dictates which households can afford it, but the demographics of that household as well (Center for American Progress, 2008).
Furthermore, economics affects culture as well. According to the National Poverty Center, 22 percent of all children in the United States lived in poverty in 2010. Then when poverty in children is broken down into various race groups, African American children account for 38 percent, and Hispanic children for 35 percent (National Poverty Center, 2016). Because of this, and the cost of a Rigamajig, certain cultures and genders are less likely to have access to a Rigamajig, unless their school has acquired one.
Education
The main idea behind Rigamajigs are collaboration. They use STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) to provide hands on learning. One of the best things about Rigamajig, is that in marketing it is geared equally to boys and girls alike. Because there are no instructions, and no right or wrong answers, it helps the students focus on the goal…playing and building instead of the finished product (Association of Children’s Museums, 2015).
Giving the students something three dimensional to play and work with is very beneficial. Furthermore, it is not everyday the students get the amazing opportunity build something that is actually larger than themselves! A quote from the brochure reads, “Valuable lessons are learned, exercise is had, and imagination is invigorated” (Rigamajig, n.d.).
