Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe played a surprising, central role in creating the American toy industry—from the first teddy bear and Ideal Toy Company to Barbie and GI Joe.
In this interview, sociologist and author Michael Kimmel traces how their immigrant experiences, and progressive ideas about childhood shaped toys, comics, and kids’ culture. He also explores how world wars, television advertising, and evolving views on race transformed dolls, action figures, and the business of play in the 20th century.
