It's a common misconception that girls have always liked pink and boys have always liked blue. Historically, these color associations are not as ingrained as we might think.
The Shifting Colors of Gender
Until the 20th century, there wasn't a strong correlation between colors and gender. Gender-specific clothing was not a trend, and the colors pink and blue were not associated with boys or girls. As gender testing emerged, designers became intrigued with creating gender-specific attire.
The Initial Shift
Interestingly, the initial association was the reverse of what we now believe. Pink was considered a color for boys, thought to be a stronger, more robust hue, while blue was seen as delicate and suitable for girls.
The Modern Association
Later, this changed. It was determined that pink, being softer and more delicate, was more appropriate for girls, while blue, perceived as robust and strong, was designated for boys.
Summary of Gender Color History
| Time Period | Boy's Color | Girl's Color |
|---|---|---|
| Before 20th Century | Not gender-specific | Not gender-specific |
| Early 20th Century | Pink | Blue |
| Later 20th Century | Blue | Pink |
Why the Change?
- Marketing and Consumerism: The shift was heavily influenced by marketing strategies and consumerism, as businesses sought to create separate markets for boys' and girls' clothing and accessories.
- Social Constructions: Societal views and cultural associations began to solidify these color-gender links.
- No Innate Preference: It's important to highlight that there isn't any biological predisposition for boys to prefer blue or girls to prefer pink; these preferences are developed through cultural and environmental factors.
