University chaplain complains Oxford version of Monopoly is sexist because it shows men graduating while women enjoy boating in skimpy tops
- University chaplain complained to makers of Monopoly about sexist edition
- The Oxford-themed edition shows male graduates but women in skimpy tops
- ‘Women pictured are wearing bikinis! Time to update this game please’ she said
- Winning Moves said: ‘The pictures supplied were random and from an agency’
A university chaplain has complained to the makers of Monopoly because she claims an Oxford-themed edition of the board game is sexist.
Tracey Allen, who works as chaplaincy coordinator at the University of Suffolk, says the Oxford edition of the game only shows men graduating on the front while women enjoy boating in skimpy tops.
Ms Allen bought the game for Christmas but admitted she was disappointed by its cover design.
The board game features men in caps and gowns in high spirits as they walk through Oxford’s streets – but the only women featured are ‘wearing bikinis’ and being pushed along in a boat by a man.
A university chaplain has complained to the makers of Monopoly because she claims an Oxford-themed edition of the board game is sexist. Tracey Allen, who works as chaplaincy co-ordinator at the University of Suffolk, says the Oxford edition of the game only shows men graduating on the front while women enjoy boating in skimpy tops
And now the game makers say they will review the artwork used to make sure it meets modern standards.
Calling out the ‘everyday sexism’, Ms Allen Tweeted: ‘I purchased an Oxford Monopoly set over Christmas and was disappointed.
‘The pictures on the board are of male graduates – do women not graduate from Oxford?
‘The only women pictured are wearing bikinis! Time to update this fabulous game please. #everydaysexism’
The Oxford edition of the game – which retails at around £29.99 – features the famous city’s well known streets and landmarks including Oxford University, The Randolph Hotel and Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Station, Gloucester Green, Folly Bridge, St Giles, St Aldate’s and Cornmarket.
Games company Hasbro make the Monopoly series, but the Oxford edition is made in partnership with Winning Moves and has been on sale since 2001.
The board game features men in caps and gowns in high spirits as they walk through Oxford’s streets – but the only women featured are ‘wearing bikinis’ and being pushed along in a boat by a man
Miss Allen has worked as chaplaincy co-ordinator at the University of Suffolk for six years.
Her picture on LinkedIn shows her face superimposed on a woman standing next to the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.
She says of her job: ‘The opportunity to work as a chaplain within the University of Suffolk was too good an opportunity to miss!
Games company Hasbro make the Monopoly series, but the Oxford edition is made in partnership with Winning Moves and has been on sale since 2001. A spokesman for Winning Moves said of the Oxford edition: ‘The pictures supplied were random and from an agency. We will be looking into this’
‘I wanted to work with students from all faiths and those of no faith to be able to provide a safe space to explore spirituality or just to be able to provide practical support.
‘As students leave home for the first time they encounter many different points of view, different faiths, cultures and I wanted to be able to help students adjust.
‘It is an exciting time as the university moves forward to independence. I am looking forward to seeing how we develop and explore what we can offer students in addition to academic excellence.
The Oxford edition of the game – which retails at around £29.99 – features the famous city’s well known streets and landmarks including Oxford University, The Randolph Hotel and Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Station, Gloucester Green, Folly Bridge, St Giles, St Aldate’s and Cornmarket
‘For many young people in Suffolk the idea of university seems remote, having us on the doorstep makes university a more real prospect.’
Players have hit out at Monopoly before for its outdated attitude.
In 2015, its Star Wars edition was criticised for not including key female players.
Calling out the ‘everyday sexism’, Ms Allen Tweeted: ‘I purchased an Oxford Monopoly set over Christmas and was disappointed. ‘The pictures on the board are of male graduates – do women not graduate from Oxford?’
And in 2013 there was a cry from feminists to remove the iron – included since 1935 – from the game because it symbolised women working in textile mills.
After that, some others called for the thimble to also get the boot because it represented women’s place in the home.
A spokesman for Winning Moves said of the Oxford edition: ‘The pictures supplied were random and from an agency. We will be looking into this.’