Alexandria Digital Research Library

Not That Kind of Adult Toy : A Post-Adolescent Predilection for Plastic Playthings

Author:
Bryant, Kristen Nicole
Degree Grantor:
University of California, Santa Barbara. Sociology
Degree Supervisor:
Geoffrey Raymond and Denise D. Bielby
Place of Publication:
[Santa Barbara, Calif.]
Publisher:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Creation Date:
2015
Issued Date:
2015
Topics:
Social structure, Social research, and Sociology
Keywords:
Toys
Life course
Aesthetics
Culture
Nostalgia
Affect
Genres:
Online resources and Dissertations, Academic
Dissertation:
M.A.--University of California, Santa Barbara, 2015
Description:

This project is an exploratory study of the practice of toy collecting by adults. It examines the way they conceptualize their use of toys, what attracts them to these objects, the organization of communities of toy collectors, how they use the toys, and ultimately, what the toys provide for them. Using first-hand accounts collected at two pop culture conventions, information gathered from fan websites, respondent accounts featured in several recent documentaries, and panel presentations at three separate conventions, this study seeks to complicate the expectations of who toy consumers are (they're not just children), as well as demonstrate the way these fans combine both adult and childlike aspects of play into their activities. While the conception of the adult toy enthusiast is taking hold in popular culture, adult toy fans must still contest with a characterization of their hobby as odd and immature. To combat this tension and provide rationalization for their interest, toy enthusiasts employ a number of strategies involving the use of legitimizing language and activities. Ultimately, the following demonstrates that adult and child toy play do not encompass discrete categories, rather existing on a continuum of play throughout the life course.

Physical Description:
1 online resource (65 pages)
Format:
Text
Collection(s):
UCSB electronic theses and dissertations
ARK:
ark:/48907/f3vt1q8g
ISBN:
9781339083902
Catalog System Number:
990045715440203776
Rights:
Inc.icon only.dark In Copyright
Copyright Holder:
Kristen Bryant
File Description
Access: Public access
Bryant_ucsb_0035N_12648.pdf pdf (Portable Document Format)