{"id":899,"date":"2022-10-18T22:33:00","date_gmt":"2022-10-18T22:33:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2023-09-05T00:17:41","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T16:17:41","slug":"gender-stereotypes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/gender-stereotypes\/","title":{"rendered":"Gender Roles in Society: Gender Stereotypes and How to Fight Against Them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Over the years, our understanding of gender has evolved, but gender stereotypes are unfortunately still taking place. Although we\u2019re now collectively more accepting of countless definitions of what it means to be male, female, or non-binary – some people still use gender scripts. Despite positive movements in the right direction, harmful perceptions of gender roles in society continue to thrive, and outdated gender scripts are still being used.<\/p>\n

No matter how you identify yourself, the chances are you\u2019ve been brought up with a specific view of the characteristics considered to be \u201cmore feminine\u201d or \u201cmore masculine\u201d. While it\u2019s true the physical structure of our bodies varies according to the sex assigned to us at birth, men and women aren\u2019t predisposed to certain characteristics based on their gender alone.<\/p>\n

Sadly, gender stereotypes can cause significant problems in society, from an increased risk of sexism and domestic violence among communities, to low self-esteem for those who feel they don\u2019t fit society\u2019s scripts. Many experts also believe gender roles may perpetuate issues of inequality<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Problem with Outdated Gender Roles in Society<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Gender stereotypes affect all people around the world, regardless of their country\u2019s level of development. Though some may see outdated gender roles as trivial, they can have detrimental consequences for children growing up with specific expectations placed upon them.<\/p>\n

According to the Fawcett Society<\/a>, 45% of people today say they were surrounded by gender stereotyping when they were children. <\/strong>Furthermore, 51% of the people surveyed said the gender roles they were taught constrained their career choices, while 44% say these stereotypes harmed their personal relationships.<\/p>\n

Around the globe, gender stereotyping is perpetuating mental health<\/a> issues, creating an increased risk of eating disorders, depression, and social aggression. Overcoming these outdated perspectives requires all communities to embrace a broader, more accepting view of individuality. We need to accept that gender is not one\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n

Common Gender Stereotypes for Men<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While gender stereotypes are often described as being detrimental to women and their self-esteem, these stereotypes and gender-specific expectations can be just as damaging for men. For instance, men are commonly seen as being more aggressive<\/a> and emotionally distant compared to their female alternatives.<\/p>\n

Men are also more likely to be expected to adopt leadership roles in their careers, and \u201cprovide\u201d for their family.<\/p>\n

These gender roles and expectations placed upon men are a primary reason why many men struggle with mental health problems.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some of the most common gender stereotypes for men which still exist today include:<\/p>\n

\u201dMen are born leaders.\u201d <\/strong>Traditionally, men have been more likely to adopt leadership roles than women. However, this is largely a result of limited opportunities in the working world for females. The idea that men make better leaders because there are more male CEOs and entrepreneurs than females places undue pressure on men to succeed. It can also stop women from being taken seriously when they aspire to leadership positions.<\/p>\n

\u201cMen don\u2019t need help.\u201d <\/strong>Men are often regarded as being highly independent and self-sufficient. Many males are expected to know how to do everything for themselves, whether it\u2019s hanging a shelf or fixing a car, even if they don\u2019t have the necessary training. This makes it harder for men to reach out to others for assistance when they need it.<\/p>\n

In fact, about 70% of the average therapists\u2019 clients are women, and that\u2019s mainly because men don\u2019t feel it matches their gender script to get help when they\u2019re struggling. They\u2019re taught to \u201cMan up\u201d and fix their own problems, which is incredibly backwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cMen don\u2019t cry.\u201d<\/strong> The idea that \u201cboys don\u2019t cry\u201d is an excellent example of how outdated gender roles can damage society. Men are expected to maintain a calm and confident disposition in any situation, which means they often bottle up their emotions to avoid appearing \u201cweak\u201d. This leads to men feeling unable to seek out support when they\u2019re suffering from issues such as depression. In fact, men account for around 80% of suicides<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s normal for men to be aggressive.\u201d <\/strong>Many people still believe men don\u2019t know how to solve issues with logic and conversation. We\u2019re predisposed to think of men as being prone to turn to violence when something goes wrong. While it\u2019s true that high levels of testosterone can prompt more aggressive actions from men, most aren\u2019t keen to seek out physical conflict. Seeing men as aggressive perpetuates an overall fear of males in society.<\/p>\n

\u201cMen must provide for their family.\u201d<\/strong> Although the number of female breadwinners around the world is growing, many people still assume men are intended to be the \u201cproviders\u201d of the household. This outdated gender role stems from when males were more likely to be the hunters in the relationship, while women were gathers and homemakers. Unfortunately, today, it leads some males to feel emasculated if they earn less than their female partner.<\/p>\n

Common Gender Stereotypes for Women<\/h3>\n

Women are generally considered to be the softer, \u2018fairer\u2019 sex. Old-fashioned gender roles position the woman as a meek, beautiful, empathetic, and passive creature. This places significant pressure on women to adhere to expectations of how they should look and act. <\/p>\n

Some of the most common stereotypes for women that still exist today include:<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are caregivers.\u201d <\/strong>Women are traditionally seen as the people who provide care to the children in the family. This can lead to negative ramifications for women who feel they\u2019re required to stay home and look after their children, rather than going to work. At the same time, it places pressure onto women to become mothers<\/a>, even when parenting may not be suited to their personality or lifestyle.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are overly emotional.\u201d <\/strong>Females naturally have high levels of certain hormones which can fluctuate at different points throughout the menstrual cycle. As such, they can be prone to less predictable emotions. However, this doesn\u2019t mean all women are emotional, illogical creatures. Viewing women as overly emotional often leads people to believe they\u2019re not suitable for leadership or decision making roles, because they can\u2019t be objective and calm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are passive and submissive.\u201d <\/strong>Countless innovative and amazing women<\/a> have proven just how ambitious and successful females can be. However, there are still people who believe women are more predisposed to act passively, and allow men to take charge. Some women fear being outspoken, or passionate means they\u2019re less likely to be seen as \u201cfeminine\u201d or desirable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are innocent or naive.\u201d<\/strong> Frequently, the views of women, particularly younger females, are brushed aside because they\u2019re perceived as innocent or na\u00efve. The reality, of course, is women can be just as educated, informed, and practical as any man. Females are given the same education as males in virtually every part of the world, and therefore should be given the same amount of consideration and respect.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen are weak.\u201d<\/strong> Although men tend to be physically stronger than women, the idea that women are \u201cweak\u201d perpetuates a belief that females can\u2019t do anything for themselves. Some of the best athletes in the world are women, and females can often show strength in different forms, such as impressive emotional endurance, and women commonly have a high pain threshold, and are capable of showing incredible amounts of emotional and mental strength.<\/p>\n

Gender Roles in Society: What is Toxic Femininity and Toxic Masculinity?<\/h3>\n

Outdated gender roles and gender stereotypes are getting more backlash in recent years, as communities have begun to grow more accepting of the many different types of people who make up our civilization. As a result, concepts such as \u201ctoxic femininity\u201d and \u201ctoxic masculinity\u201d.<\/p>\n

Toxic masculinity and toxic femininity refer to instances where people demonstrate rigid gender stereotypes in their personality, and hold others to the same standards. For instance, \u201ctoxic femininity\u201d may include championing the belief all women should be passive, sexually submissive, stay-at-home mothers.<\/p>\n

Toxic masculinity may include the belief all men should be dominant over women, more aggressive, higher earners, committed to leadership and career progression.<\/p>\n

In both instances, the \u201ctoxic\u201d elements of these beliefs pressure individuals into believing they\u2019re less of a \u201cman\u201d or \u201cwoman\u201d based on their beliefs, behaviors, and personality traits.<\/p>\n

How to Fight Gender Stereotypes Today<\/h3>\n

Ultimately, overcoming problematic gender roles, outdated scripts and stereotypes can be difficult in an environment where certain perspectives are taught to us at a young age. The key to overcoming these issues is getting to know yourself, and who you really are as a person.<\/p>\n

A CircleDNA test<\/a> can offer you an insight into the personality traits you\u2019re genetically predisposed to, as well as showing you information about your background. At the same time, it\u2019s worth setting aside some time in your life for self-discovery, so you can set your own goals and boundaries<\/a> based on your unique passions, and interests. Focus on:<\/p>\n

Understanding yourself and developing more sef-respect: <\/strong>Get to know yourself by writing a list of your likes, dislikes, ambitions, and expectations. Think about what kind of personality traits define you, and what you like most about yourself. If you want to make changes to your attitude or behaviors, prioritize seeking out happiness, rather than adhering to pre-set gender rules.<\/p>\n

Pursuing any interests, regardless of gender roles: <\/strong>Don\u2019t allow a male-dominated or female-dominated career landscape deter you from your goals. Men don\u2019t have to be doctors, and women don\u2019t have to be nurses. Growing strategies for equality and diversity throughout the workforce are opening up new opportunities for people of all genders.<\/p>\n

Connecting with people who accept you: <\/strong>Build relationships with people who are accepting of you for who you are. Remove toxic people from your life when necessary, and don\u2019t allow people to put you down or judge your behavior based on your gender. Surrounding yourself with transparent and empathetic people will allow you to thrive.<\/p>\n

Challenging gender stereotypes when necessary: <\/strong>Don\u2019t be afraid to speak out when you see someone adhering to damaging gender roles. If someone is being treated unfairly at work because of their gender, be prepared to step up and correct the person responsible. Fighting for others will help to reduce the damage of stereotypes.<\/p>\n

Teaching the next generation not to follow gender scripts: <\/strong>Where possible, pass your acceptance and open minded attitude onto the children you interact with. Avoid teaching young boys that only girls play with dolls, or that only girls cry. Show girls they can achieve incredible leadership positions, and explore any avenue in their lives.<\/p>\n

Gender stereotypes are complicated and pervasive in today\u2019s society. However, we are moving in a brighter direction, thanks to a new generation of more accepting youngsters, ready to fight for diversity, equality, and inclusion. Start loving yourself for who you are, and don\u2019t allow gender roles to dictate who you can or can\u2019t become.<\/p>\n

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