22) Gender Stereotype

 Gender Stereotype 

A gender stereotype is a generalized view or preconception about attributes or characteristics, or the roles that are or ought to be possessed by, or performed by, women and men. A gender stereotype is harmful when it limits women’s and men’s capacity to develop their personal abilities, pursue their professional careers and/or make choices about their lives.

Whether overtly hostile (such as “women are irrational”) or seemingly benign (“women are nurturing”), harmful stereotypes perpetuate inequalities. For example, the traditional view of women as care givers means that child care responsibilities often fall exclusively on women.

Further, gender stereotypes compounded and intersecting with other stereotypes have a disproportionate negative impact on certain groups of women, such as women from minority or indigenous groups, women with disabilities, women from lower caste groups or with lower economic status, migrant women, etc. 

Gender stereotyping refers to the practice of ascribing to an individual woman or man specific attributes, characteristics, or roles by reason only of her or his membership in the social group of women or men. Gender stereotyping is wrongful when it results in a violation or violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Examples include

Not criminalizing marital rape, perceiving that women are the sexual property of men; and Failing to investigate, prosecute and sentence sexual violence against women, believing that victims of sexual violence agreed to sexual acts, as they were not dressing and behaving “modestly”.

Wrongful gender stereotyping is a frequent cause of discrimination against women. It is a contributing factor in violations of a vast array of rights such as the right to health, adequate standard of living, education, marriage and family relations, work, freedom of expression, freedom of movement, political participation and representation, effective remedy, and freedom from gender-based violence.

How do gender stereotypes affect people?

Gender stereotypes are simple and often wrong ideas about how men and women should act. These ideas can lead to unfair treatment. This unfairness is called sexism.

There are four main types of gender stereotypes

• Personality traits – People often expect women to be kind and emotional, while men are expected to be strong and confident.
• Home roles – Many believe women should cook, clean, and take care of children, while men should fix things and earn money.
• Jobs – Some think jobs like nurses and teachers are for women, and jobs like pilots, doctors, or engineers are for men.
• Looks – People expect women to be thin and pretty, and men to be tall and strong. Women are told to wear dresses and make-up, while men are told to wear pants and have short hair.

Hyper femininity means acting too much like the usual female stereotype being soft, shy, or dependent.

Hypermasculinity means acting too much like the usual male stereotype being aggressive, tough, or controlling.

These extreme behaviors can harm relationships.

• Hyperfeminine people may let others hurt them.
• Hypermasculine people may hurt others.

These stereotypes stop people from being their true selves. For example, men may feel they can’t cry, and women may feel they can’t be strong or smart.

When we stop using gender stereotypes, everyone can live more freely and be who they really are.

How can I fight gender stereotypes?

You probably see gender stereotypes all around you. You might also have seen or experienced sexism, or discrimination based on gender. There are ways to challenge these stereotypes to help everyone  no matter their gender or gender identity  feel equal and valued as people.

• Point it out — Magazines, TV, film, and the Internet are full of negative gender stereotypes. Sometimes these stereotypes are hard for people to see unless they’re pointed out. Be that person! Talk with friends and family members about the stereotypes you see and help others understand how sexism and gender stereotypes can be hurtful.

• Be a living example — Be a role model for your friends and family. Respect people regardless of their gender identity. Create a safe space for people to express themselves and their true qualities regardless of what society’s gender stereotypes and expectations are.

• Speak up — If someone is making sexist jokes and comments, whether online or in person, challenge them.

• Give it a try — If you want to do something that’s not normally associated with your gender, think about whether you’ll be safe doing it. If you think you will, give it a try. People will learn from your example.

If you’ve been struggling with gender or gender identity and expectations, you’re not alone. It may help you to talk to a trusted parent, friend, family member, teacher, or counselor.