"Gender Stereotypes"
Gender stereotypes are traditional roles or responsibilities that are considered appropriate for each individual according to their gender. We are expected to act, behave, learn, and perform as per the rules that have been enforced to us in a direct or an indirect way. This is called gender stereotypes.
Gender stereotypes originate from our culture and traditions and are passed on to generations to follow the same line. While we make advancements and progress every day towards the modern world, these stereotypes are irrelevant and totally unfair. However, there are an infinite number of such stereotypes followed and practiced which shape our gender roles as individuals in society and perpetuate gender-specific behavior and bias. Notions like ‘Boys don't cry, behave like a woman, color blue for the boy child and pink for the girl child, boys are messy, women are good at kitchen and cleaning, politics is for males, women gossip a lot’ are some common examples used every day. These stereotypes have created boxes for each one of us creating a boundary for our choices and actions. In our society, males are presumed to be tough, strong, breadwinners of the family and the ones with leadership capabilities whereas females are expected to be kind, subtle, beautiful, caring, and nurturing. Characters like these have been inculcated in our minds right from our childhood and we grow up believing these to be true and also try to behave in the same way as failed attempts to fit into society’s tiny boxes of expectations. These beliefs tend to shape our thoughts and perceptions and eventually our actions and behavior. Such influences can be seen everywhere, education is the most common. Endorsing such stereotypes has led to less participation of women and girls in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. (STEM). These are often regarded as ‘not so women-friendly’ subjects. As such, young girls are likely to be told to choose subjects that they are ‘naturally’ good at such as designing and management. Enforcing these rules prevent them from exploring their interests, developing abilities, and pursuing a career they are interested in. Engrained stereotypes also result in self-doubts and confusion. Research conducted in 2010 revealed that female students were more critical of their abilities in STEM than male students even if they had the same grades. While there is enormous pressure to fit in, the ones who actually manage to do something on their own beyond the expectations of society are often questioned about their character, upbringing, and criticized for being different. Besides, gender stereotypes are also the main causes of discrimination and gender-based violence existent in our society. Beliefs such as males should control sexual relationships, women have no right to say ‘No’ and women should be submissive have resulted in gender-based violence and domestic violence. Also, uncompromising opinions about one’s gender and sexuality and associated dogma contribute to marginalization and troublesome life for LGBTQI+ people.
Talking about myself, I have also come across innumerable numbers of such stereotypes at various settings; home, school, college, and community. At school, while my male classmates were encouraged to do the math, I was always told by my teachers that I was ‘weak’ in it despite having good grades and class performance due to which I always doubted my problem-solving abilities and I actually grew up believing that mathematics and engineering were subjects I would never be able to pursue in my life. Also, I used to be mocked by calling out names by my classmates for not having pink as my favorite color. At home, family gatherings, and community, I get to hear a lot on how I need to practice more on cooking, cleaning, and household chores as practice would help me impress and apparently maintain a healthy relationship with my partner and in-laws in the future! I am also told to be subtle, lower my voice, hold my tongue, dress, and act, eat, perform, and behave less like a boy and more like a girl! These stereotypes in a way dictate how we should be and what choices we should make rather than accepting the uniqueness each individual in the society possesses.
While gender stereotypes influence our judgment and lead to biases, it’s more important to recognize these biases and speak against them. We should be critical of the way society expects each one of us to be based on these stereotypes and rather make independent choices. Promotion and strengthening of non-stereotyped and free images of personalities should be encouraged. Supportive legislation, raising voices, and awareness are necessary to deconstruct firm dimensions of gender stereotypes. Moreover, it's crucial that we challenge these stereotypes, acknowledge the differences that we share, and support the choices and decisions we make. Each individual is different and should be free to make choices irrespective of their gender.