GENDER STEREOTYPES

GENDER STEREOTYPES

WHAT IS A GENDER STEREOTYPE?

 A gender stereotype "is a generalized view or preconception about attributes or characteristics that are or ought to be possessed by women and men or the roles that are or should be performed by men and women"

 A gender stereotype is therefore harmful when it limits the capacity of women and men to develop their personal attributes or professional skills and to make decisions about their lives and plans. Gender stereotypes affect girls around the world regardless of their country's level of development and are encouraged by society at large, from parents to teachers.

Where do gender stereotypes come from?

Gender stereotypes are complex and originate from local culture and traditions. Children learn what constitutes female and male behavior from their family and friends, the media, and institutions including schools and religious bodies. Gender stereotypes can have an adverse effect on all genders, as young people find themselves regularly exposed to messages about how boys and girls should look, behave and play. These socially accepted and often unconscious ideas start to form in infancy.

What are the negative impacts of gender stereotypes? 

Gender stereotypes shape self-perception, attitudes to relationships and influence participation in the world of work. In a school environment, they can affect a young person’s classroom experience, academic performance, subject choice, and well-being. The assumptions we make about boys and girls may be conscious or unconscious and can result in students being treated differently or offered different opportunities based on their gender.

Stereotypes and unconscious bias:

 Gender stereotyping results from unconscious biases held by all of us. Unconscious bias happens when our subconscious makes assumptions about people based on their background or perceived background. Everyone has unconscious biases. An individual can be unconsciously influenced by a stereotype even if they do not rationally subscribe to it. Becoming aware of our biases and working to counter them is an important way to combat the negative effects of gender stereotypes. Unconscious bias arises because we have to process vast amounts of information every second. In order to avoid being overwhelmed, our brains have to make assumptions based on previous experience and find patterns to speed up decision-making. However, these assumptions tend to be based on simple characterizations of people such as their age, race, or gender. They are communicated through micro-messages such as body language and choice of words. This is more likely to happen when we are stressed or tired, and can cause problems by affecting our beliefs and treatment of others. Although admitting and dealing with our own biases can be challenging, it is important to identify, reflect on and even discuss them with colleagues.

Unconscious bias in the classroom

 In the classroom, unconscious bias can manifest itself in teacher-learner interactions. For example, teachers may be more likely to praise girls for being well-behaved, while boys are more likely to be praised for their ideas and understanding.8 A disruptive girl may be treated differently to a boy who exhibits similar behavior. These expectations can be harmful to both groups. Girls may learn to be compliant and not take risks, while boys may opt-out of education if understanding does not come readily.