Parents often buy their young children clothes, pyjamas and bedspreads printed with brightly-coloured animals.
But the animals they come across will vary based on whether they have sons or daughters, new research reveals.
Unicorns, horses and cats are among the 10 most popular animals for girls’ clothing, while items designed for boys are more likely to feature dinosaurs, tigers or lions.
The findings sparked an outcry from parents when they were shared on Facebook group Let Clothes Be Clothes, with dozens hitting out at the ‘ridiculous’ division.
They also pointed out how relevant the results given the current #MeToo movement.
Analysis: Parents Hannah and Leo Garcia, of Cardiff, analysed 1,444 clothing items with animal designs that were available to buy online through 12 popular high street chains
Outrage: Parents were horrified by the gender divide between the ‘predator’ and ‘prey’
Parents Hannah and Leo Garcia, of Cardiff, analysed 1,444 clothing items with animal designs that were available to buy online through 12 popular high street chains.
The results, which were shared on Hannah’s website, reveal a clear distinction in the animals deemed suitable for girls and boys.
Dragons, sharks and monkeys, for example, are among the 10 most popular ‘boy’ animals. Meanwhile girls are encouraged to wear giraffes and foxes.
Writing on her blog, Hannah noted that some animals appeared on both lists, but explained this was because they were all children’s characters.
Common experience: Parents shared how they struggled with the animals available to buy
Peppa Pig and George, for example, have contributed to the popularity of ‘pigs’ in both lists, while Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse meant mice also appeared.
Further analysis revealed that boys’ clothing was far more likely to feature ‘predators’ and ‘wild’ animals, while girls’ animals were more likely to be ‘domesticated’ or ‘prey’.
Outraged parents blasted the division on Facebook.
One posted: ‘My daughter is a massive tiger fan and they are only ever on “boys” clothing, she’s 5 and beginning to notice that are “not for girls”.’
‘Disturbing’: The Infographic sparked outrage when it was shared on a Facebook group
A second posted: ‘So girls are cute and dumb and boys are smart and dangerous.’
Another agreed ‘The predator:prey ratios are definitely what I find most disturbing about this – particularly in the current news climate.’
Wrote another: ‘That division is ridiculous! It sends the message that predators are synonymous with masculinity. So wrong on so many levels.’