Aanchal Kumar
Gender Stereotype
Definition: A gender stereotype is a generalized view or assumption regarding the roles, behaviors, abilities, and responsibilities of a particular gender.
Significance:
Gender Stereotypes have drastically evolved over the years, with various types of old assumptions being dissolved with newer ideas that are shortening the gender disparities among men and women in many communities (Vanette, 2020). Gender stereotypes have the potential to limit one’s capacity to develop personal skills, restrict employment and career opportunities, and constrict personal life choices (OHCHR, 2020). They can negatively impact an individual’s self-confidence, increase anxiety and depression, and even play a role in developing identity crises (Braucher, 2016; Hodge, 2023). Gender stereotypes often intersect with other stereotypes and biases and disproportionately affect those of lower SES, migrants, disabled, and minority communities (OHCHR, 2020). Furthermore, gender stereotypes create inequities in communities and services provided.
At an early age, we are socialized into the gender roles the larger society has accepted as norms (Braucher, 2016). Rewards such as attention and acceptance and punishments such as scorn and ridicule further drive the pressure to conform to these standards (Worthy et.al., 2020). This conditioning to norms can begin as soon as parents discover the sex of their unborn child. Dictating the colors of clothes, and even what type of toys and their colors (Silverio, 2023; Vanette, 2021). Gender stereotypes are further structured at institutions like schools through the sports and activities offered. Boys get the football while girls are handed the jump rope. Girls are encouraged to play with dolls or in the kitchen, while boys are handed cars and tools. Outside of home and school, the media and marketing reinforce these stereotypes (Silverio, 2023; Vanette, 2021).
Progress is slowly being made with toys being used to diminish gender stereotypes and advertising showing all genders in all roles. Many institutions have encouraged preferred pronoun usage. Creating safer environments for gender expression and the breaking of norms. This, however, has not been universally embraced or without significant pushback (Grensing-Pophal, 2021).
Sources:
Braucher, D. (2016, October 22). The price of conforming to gender norms. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/contemporary-psychoanalysis-in-action/201610/the-price-conforming-gender-norms
Grensing-Pophal, L. (Ed.). (2021, May 26). The great pronoun debate and its practical implications. HR Daily Advisor. https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2021/05/27/the-great-pronoun-debate-and-its-practical-implications/
Hodge, K. (2023, November 15). Gender roles and their impact on depression: Beyond the surface. Mental Health Center. https://www.mentalhealthcenter.org/gender-roles-and-depression/
OHCHR. (2020). Gender stereotyping | ohchr. United Nations Office of High Commissioner. https://www.ohchr.org/en/women/gender-stereotyping
Silverio, K., & Giangiacomo, V. (2023, May 5). This super sweet ad shows why boys should play with dolls: LBBOnline. Little Black Book. https://lbbonline.com/news/this-super-sweet-ad-shows-why-boys-should-play-with-dolls
Vanette, D. (2021, January 11). How pink and blue became gendered colors. How Pink and Blue Became Gendered Colors. https://awomensthing.org/blog/pink-and-blue/
Worthy, L., Lavigne, T., & Romero, F. (2022). Culture and psychology: How people shape and are shaped by culture. Glendale Community College.
