How gender Stereotypes Shape and Limit Our Lives
As a passionate advocate for people having the freedom to be themselves regardless of their social construct, I've been looking at how society limits men and women with stereotypical gender boxes.
This article explores how gender stereotypes shape and limit our daily lives, from what we wear and the expectations placed upon us in the workplace to the limiting beliefs we carry with us in our personal lives.
I'm also touching upon the psychological effects of gender stereotyping, including how it restricts our opportunities and creates a false sense of identity. What happens when we get stuck in a box that doesn'tdoesn't nurture who we authentically are?
I will look at how gender stereotypes can be challenged and how to promote more progressive thinking.
Finally, we will discuss how to understand gender stereotypes and challenge them daily.
Promoting Progressive Thinking Around Gender
Equality The Impact of Gender Roles Gender roles, and the stereotypes associated with them, are powerful social forces that have shaped society for centuries.
I see it as a generational habit! Something that we are so used to, something we see all around us, and therefore we believe it's the truth, ignore it and accept it... unconsciously!
And that's where the danger lies because, unfortunately, gender roles have tended to limit individuals' capacity to realise their potential as human beings.
For example, boys may be discouraged from exploring interests outside traditional male roles or careers. They can easily face bullying if they show interest in a field that requires nurturing and care. If boys want to wear skirts or dresses, some people might assume their sexuality because they show kindness and care or want to dress differently than what the gender stereotype box indicates is correct!
Placing them automatically into the 'gay box' or the 'transgender box.’
Remember, women were not allowed to wear trousers once upon a time!
While women may face difficulty breaking into traditionally male-dominated fields, and if they make it through the glass ceiling, they are expected to show kindness and care, regardless if they authentically are kind and caring. They are labelled as bitches if they don't follow the social norm.
These rigid expectations can lead to frustration and loneliness, significantly harming physical and psychological well-being.
Gender Stereotypes & Their Consequences.
In addition to directly impacting individuals' self-realisation potential, gender stereotypes often reinforce regressive thinking about gender across societies.
This creates a situation where others judge people more harshly for not sticking to pre-established notions about what it means to be "masculine" or "feminine".
Just think about it; some of us are so locked in this boxed-based way of thinking that we even identify energies as either a "masculine" or a "feminine" sort of thing.
Consequently, this has made many people in the past (and present) feel ashamed for not conforming to predetermined ideas about their sex and / or gender identity, which limits one's ability to express themselves freely within our culture.
Constantly made to believe that they are not good enough!
I ask myself: Can we afford to continue doing this?
Societal Expectations & How They Affect Us
The detrimental impact of societal expectations is unfortunately all too real regarding issues around gender equality, as they can also stifle attempts at progressive change regarding these matters.
It's tough to initiate better portrayals of women and men in media without first rethinking long-held principles that render such depictions unwanted, particularly about what every preordained sex is expected to do due to rank and appearance.
Suppose you are in sports, for example. Media will ask you completely different questions if you are a woman than a man! (See earlier blog post).
Most likely, the press assumes that that is what their readers what to read. We (the readers) do click on these stories. As the consequences of those assumptions, we (the readers) continue to see the same stereotypes show up, which makes us even more sure that they exist. Therefore, your activity online and offline matters!
Overall this demonstrates just how much influence expectations placed upon us by our peers have over both ourselves and those around us regardless of who we identify with sexually or even socially - something that needs confronting if we genuinely wish to move forward together towards greater understanding between genders rather than remaining divided by them indefinitely.
Understanding & Overcoming Social Constraints On Gender Equality.
Seeing then-current circumstances, it is pronounced that more must be done so everyone can succeed regardless of their choice. To accomplish this goal, we must first work collaboratively to understand why certain biases exist and recognise how such short-sightedness harms members of theoretically open-minded communities.
We must be bold enough to talk about our biases in a non-judgmental way.
From there, needed reforms must be made to accurately reflect challenges faced by different sexes instead of succumbing to standards previously set as 'acceptable behaviour.'
Lastly, once steps are taken to address inequality progress through positive reinforcement, admirable accomplishments are hindered; only then will a sense of parity opportunities appear in industry places formerly thought untouchable for women and men alike.
Gender stereotypes and expectations can hurt our lives, and we must strive to recognise, understand, and challenge these limitations to embrace our identities fully.
By becoming aware of the constraints that society places on us based on gender, we can work together towards equality without judgment or bias.
The goal is to create a world where every person's potential is maximised, regardless of gender or other identity markers.
You and I can feel safe, accepted and valued as the person we were born to be.
That it is Okey to make mistakes, and it's Okey to be vulnerable, unsure, ask for support etc., as we move from believing the gender stereotype box is the truth and setting our focus to becoming better, bolder and brighter as the leading light in our own lives.
With this shift in attitude and behaviour, we can make positive changes in all our lives.
Unlock the power of leadership within yourself and your team. Tap into the wisdom and insight of Rúna Magnúsdóttir, the out of the box speaker author, speaker and leadership strategist.