Sociology of Board Games

Sociological Images recently posted pictures taken at a toy store of board games targeted towards girls.  Of course, they’re pink.  The box of Scrabble spells out “f-a-s-h-i-o-n” and girls’ Monopoly comes in a pink, velvet-lined jewelry box where you can keep game pieces.

A dissertation should be written on the sociology of board games, if there hasn’t been one already.

Recently, I had to do some research on board games for a report.  I studied two games: LIFE from the 1990s and MONOPOLY, bubble economy version from 2006.  It was VERY interesting the social norms enforced in both.  LIFE assumed that your goal was to die rich and retire at Millionaire Estates, along the way you may encounter troubles like contracting Moo-shu flu, etc.

Monopoly, the mega edition, from two years ago was bigger, badder, and faster.  Why be limited to buying railroads, when you could get the whole depot?  Money starts at $1000 bills.  Instead of modest, square green plastic houses, you can upgrade to a shiny, silver skyscraper.

I also saw themed Monopoly, one based around M&M’s, another around dogs, and yet another around Disney characters.  I can’t possible imagine what that is supposed to socialize one to be.

The game that I would write?  Tent City!  You, a young person of color, screwed over by the public school system, unable to find a job.  Out of money.  Out of alternatives.  Desperate.  Roll the dice and see if you can land yourself land to pitch a tent.  Or, hack your way into a foreclosed property and tap into electric lines and water systems.  Extra points for players who start their own community of squatters or who refused to be moved.