Module 3 Lesson 5 Readings Lesson Proper

LESSON PROPER
Gender Stereotype
People organize their knowledge about the world around them by

sorting, and simplifying received information. Therefore, they create cognitive
schemes, which are certain representations of the reality displaying its most
typical and fundamental elements and properties. One of the most important
types of schemes used for orientation in the social environment are the
stereotypes, representing the opinions among members of a certain group
about the other groups. They
are internalized during the
process of socialization. They
can be a result of our own
observations or to be adopted
from the influence of significant
others, such as family, friends,
teachers and media. Because
of many simplications and
generalization that they produce, stereotypes present incomplete, subjective
and sometimes false image of the reality. They are often based on tradition
and are resistant to change. Although they can both have positive and
negative undertone, the latter is much more common. Even if certain
arguments allow to refute stereotype, people would rather treat it as an
exception that proves the rule, than change the way of thinking. Ellliot
Aronson, another American psychologists, said that stereotypes are used to
attribute the identical features to each member of a certain group without
taking the existing differences among the members into consideration (1972)
Gender is a social stratifier. Its is how gender constructs can stereotype

and stratify people, putting males on a pedestal and privileging them in both
private and public spheres and thus, subordinating the value and interests of
women and girls.
One of the common forms where gender stratifies is stereotype.
Gender stereotype is “an overgeneralized belief in the characteristics of a
person based simply on their gender. It is a rigidly held and oversimplified
belief that all males and females possess distinct psychological behavioral
traits” (Ateneo Human Rights Center 2007:7) It reflects how males and
females are valued in society. They represent differential valuation and
treatment accorded to males and females and others whose gender identities
are different from their biological sex. More often, men’s gender roles and
characteristics, even in stereotypes are given more importance and status.
As a stratifier, gender leads to unequal access of males and females to
opportunities, income, wealth, and privilege with males enjoying greater
access than females. This has been the result of the culture of patriarchy that
has long been present in our societies.
Gender stereotype is present in all areas of our
lives. Putting one’s roles, behavior, decisions and
perception in life in a specific location and labelling it as
“Gender
man’s or woman’s that often dignify the gender biases.
stereotypes reflect
In locating stereotype in the media for example, how males and
gender is represented through basic or obvious females are valued
characteristics which are often exaggerated. Although
in society”
stereotypes can help people connect with the content as
they reflect in their own realities, on the other hand, it
can have negative effects on the disadvantage groups
such as women or the LGBT community by reinforcing negative and false
stereotypes. These stereotypes are often the manifestation of gender bias.
Gender Discrimination
Gender discrimination happens when stereotypes and prejudice

translate into a negative act towards a person. In reference to discrimination of
women, this is..” any distinction, exclusion, or restriction made on the basis of
sex which has the purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment
or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on the basis of
equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field” (Art 1, Convention
on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)
Gender discrimination is another common form of discrimination.
Statistically, women earn less than men and are often relegated to be solely
responsible for childrearing and house chores. Men on the other hand are
discriminated in household responsibilities such that they are perceived as
less manly when they do their share of house chores or when they become
stay at home husbands.
LGBT discrimination happens when LGBT people are treated as lesser
than straight people. Discrimination happens early in their childhood as they
get bullied when they act differently or dress differently than other kids. During
adolescence they get judged, bullied, or physically assaulted as they explore
and express their sexuality.
Gender Roles
This is the set of roles, activities, expectations, and behaviors assigned to
females and males by society. Our culture recognizes two basic gender roles:
masculine and feminine. People who step out of their socially assigned gender
roles are sometimes referred to as transgender. Other cultures have three or
more genders.
The difficulties in differentiating gender roles in the modern societies can
be a perfect example of negative social effects of using stereotypes. A division
of gender roles is deeply rooted in the social archetypes. In the past,
patriarchy was dominant family model. Through the ages, men have been
considered to be financial providers, career-focused, assertive, and
independent, whereas women have shown as low position workers, loving
wives and mothers, responsible for raising children and doing housework.
Nowadays, family model is based on partnership than on patriarchy and
women have more rights and possibilities on the labor market.

Module 3 Lesson 5 Readings Lesson Proper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 3 Lesson 5 Readings Lesson Proper

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Module 3 Lesson 5 Readings Lesson Proper

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

LESSON PROPER

People organize their knowledge about the world around them by

Gender is a social stratifier. Its is how gender constructs can stereotype

Gender discrimination happens when stereotypes and prejudice

You might also like