ACTIVITY 1 : GENDER STEREOTYPES

1.1 Gender Stereotypes are the accepted traditional roles of men and
women. There gender stereotypes associated With males who do work
traditionally associated with females are :

- Perceived Lack of Masculinity: There's a stereotype that men in

traditionally female roles might be seen as less masculine or somehow deficient in
their gender identity.

- Assumptions of Incompetence or Inadequacy: Men who work in

traditionally female dominated fields may face assumptions that they are less
competent or capable compared to their female colleagues

- Discrimination: Men working in traditionally female roles may encounter

discrimination from both peers and society at large.

Examples of jobs :

- Working as a nurse

- Working in daycare or looking after children as a nanny

- A beautician or a hairdresser

1.2 The stereotypical views of gender could negatively affect progressive

growth of society as :

- Limiting Opportunities: When people are constrained by societal

expectations based on their gender, society misses out on the talents and
contributions individuals could offer. Gender stereotypes often dictate what roles
and professions are considered suitable for men and women. This can limit
individuals' opportunities to pursue careers or interests they are passionate about,
regardless of their abilities or qualifications.

- Mental Health Impacts: Pressure to follow gender normalities can lead to

stress, anxiety, and depression.Gender stereotypes can also have detrimental
effects on individuals' mental health and wellbeing.

- Undermining Relationships: stereotypes that men should be dominant and

women should be submissive can lead to conflict and dissatisfaction in
relationships. Gender stereotypes can undermine healthy relationships by
promoting unequal power dynamics and unrealistic expectations.

1.3 Femaleness, or being perceived as female, can unfortunately still

negatively impact opportunities for women in certain careers due to
persistent gender biases and stereotypes. Here are several ways in which
femaleness may hinder women's opportunities:

- Differentiation in salaries or wages : Femaleness is often associated with

lower pay and fewer promotions. Even when women hold the same
qualifications and experience as men, they may be fewer opportunities for
career advancement or offered lower salaries

- Harassment and Workplace Discrimination : Women may face obstacles in

their careers due to hostile work environments, gender-based
aggressiveness and barriers put in by men that prevent them from fully
participating and succeeding in their chosen field. Femaleness can also
make women more vulnerable to workplace discrimination and
harassment, including sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination.

- Promotion and Hiring: Employers may perceive women as less competent

or suitable for certain roles, particularly in male-dominated fields such as
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or leadership
positions. Which is a ongoing issue as gender can influence hiring
decisions, with women being less likely to be hired or promoted compared
to equally qualified male colleagues .

- Domestic Responsibilities and Family : Women are often expected to

prioritise family and domestic duties over their careers, which can lead to
interruptions in their employment, limited opportunities for advancement,
and difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities.Societal
expectations regarding gender roles and domestic responsibilities can
affect women's career opportunities.

1.4 Gender stereotypes can have a negative impact on an individual's self

esteem in the workplace. Here's how:

- Feeling that you are Unappreciated and Undervalued :When individuals

feel as if their abilities and contributions are being judged because of their
gender, they may feel undervalued or unappreciated for their work. For
example, if a woman's ideas are consistently ignored or attributed to her
gender rather than her ability to complete to strive in career field or

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 workplace , she may begin to doubt her abilities and worth as a
professional.

- Discrimination: Whether it's being interrupted in meetings, being subjected

to gender-based jokes or comments, or facing more overt forms of
discrimination, these experiences can chip away at an individual's
confidence and sense of belonging in their professional
environment.Experiencing and discrimination based on gender can take a
toll on an self-esteem in the workplace.

1.5 Society continues to contribute to the ongoing display of gender

stereotypes in communities through various means, including:

- Media Representation: Television shows, movies, advertisements, and

other forms of media often reinforce traditional stereotypes, depicting men
as strong, assertive, and dominant, while portraying women as nurturing,
passive, and submissive. The media plays a significant role in shaping
societal perceptions of gender through the portrayal of stereotypical gender
roles and behaviours. Limiting definitions of masculinity and femininity,
which can change and influence how individuals perceive themselves and
others.

- Education and Socialisation:in a community where “ boys should be make

to play with trucks and engage in rough-and-tumble play, while girls
should play with dolls and activities that emphasise caregiving and
domesticity” , the community is reinforcing gender stereotypes and
normalities , shaping individuals' beliefs and behaviours throughout their
lives. From a young age, children are socialised into gender roles through
family, schools, and friend groups. Stereotypical messages about gender
are conveyed through toys, clothing, language, and expectations for
behaviour .

1.6 two strategies that women could implement to challenge gender

stereotypes within a romantic relationship with their husbands are :

- Expressing opinions : work together to challenge traditional assumptions

about relationships and speak about how traditional gender stereotypes
may impact each others perceptions and behaviours,. By having a mutual
understanding and empathy, couples can create a more supportive
relationships. Encourage open and honest communication about gender
roles and expectations within the relationship.

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  Relationship Impact: . It allows both partners to express their needs
and preferences freely, without feeling constrained by traditional
gender normalities. Over time, this can lead to a relationship that is
characterised by equality, collaboration, and shared decision-
making. communicating openly promotes respect , trust , and
mutual empowerment within the relationship

- Equality through Household Responsibilities: Encourage each other to take

on tasks traditionally associated with their gender as well as those
traditionally associated with the other gender.Strive for an equal division of
household chores and responsibilities based on individual preferences,
strengths, and availability rather than traditional gender roles.

 Relationship Impact: challenge the idea that certain tasks are

inherently "women's work" or "men's work," promote a more
balanced distribution of work. This can lead to greater satisfaction
in the relationship, both of you will feel valued and respected for
their contributions.Equitably sharing household responsibilities
fosters a sense of fairness and partnership within the relationship.