Even though civilization and globalization has smashed multiple sex stereotypes, there are many that still prevail in the world. So, what are the most common gender stereotypes?
When it comes to sex stereotypes, one cannot skip without shedding light on its effects on women around the world. Women from all walks of life are still being subjected to some or the other kind of gender stereotype. The era has witnessed the decline of multiple sex-stereotyped roles, especially for women. However, its prevalence is still dominant in numerous domains.
1. Sex Stereotypes In The Education Sector
The most prominent effect of sex stereotypes can be witnessed in the education sector on a major scale. The environment women are brought up in and the way their thought-process is shaped, is well reflected in the choices they make. Mechanics, electronics and similar domains are largely male-dominated.
Women or rather, girls usually do not make career choices that are typically known to be “suitable for men”. Although the systems have made necessary adaptations to offer equal comfort to all genders with respect to the streams, the disparity still persists significantly.
It is majorly the choices made by women which are consciously and/ or subconsciously influenced by society, families and upbringing but mainly by patriarchy. Efforts from a grassroot level is required to get rid of this widely prevalent sex stereotype.
2. Sex Stereotypes In Career Opportunities
A research in 2020 found that there exists only 29% women in senior management roles across the world. The stats in itself speak for the disparity that exists here. This is a sheer instance of sex stereotyping that influences the careers of women around the world. Even though there are a myriad of opportunities for all genders, the influence of gender typecasting takes over the rationality. According to The World Economic Forum, a research conducted in 2017 showed an average gender gap of 32.0 per cent in four areas — ‘Economic Participation and Opportunity’, ‘Educational Attainment’, ‘Health and Survival’ and ‘Political Empowerment’.
You may want to take a look at our previous articles on workplace sexism and gender inequality in the tech industry.
The most shocking fact is that the gender gap shot up from an average of 31.7 per cent per year to 32.0 per cent in 2017. Despite significant policies and encouraging schemes from the systems, the disparity continues to exist between the genders. The reason solely responsible for this gap is sex stereotyping. Here is the latest report from The World Economic Forum on Gender Gap.
Surprisingly, a considerable number of women tend to sex stereotype other men and women which exists widely at workplaces.
3. Sex Stereotypes In Fashion
One can possibly not skip this point when it comes to discussions of prevalent sex stereotypes. Pink for girls and blue for boys is no Gen-Z notion. Gender stereotypes have existed in the threads of culture since ages. This article from Fashion Is Psychology will dismantle the sex stereotypes in terms of fashion.
Throughout history, one may observe males in heavily ornamented looks and even longer hairs. Whereas women were strictly confined to certain dress codes that involved covering most of their body parts. Cross-dressing was widely perceived as uncertainty of one’s sex. For men, cross-dressing symbolised their subconscious female personification and for women, that of male. The stereotype that dressing can determine one’s sex is the most deeply ingrained sex stereotype of humankind.
Even today, this gender stereotype spreads its arms to almost all sections of society. Besides being a cause of multiple discomforts for women, sex stereotypes in fashion are also a discomfortable factor for men and other genders.
It is not often that even women are free of this type casting mentality. Not all women around would be comfortable or supportive of a man wearing a stereotypically women’s garment. Hence, humongous efforts at a global level are required to ditch this stereotype.
4. Sex Stereotypes In Roles & Responsibilities
Another significant domain to highlight the dominance of sex stereotyping can be witnessed when it comes to roles and responsibilities. Both, the lives of men and women are highly influenced by their predefined set of roles and responsibilities.
From giving up on one’s career for a baby to being the breadwinner for the family, sex stereotypes have ruled lives. It is a sigh of relief that the dynamics are gradually shifting towards a positive side. However, it is still significantly persistent in most parts of the world.
When it comes to finances and men are usually the ones facing the wrath of sex stereotyping. On a similar note, the responsibilities of the household and children defined by the lens of sex stereotypes continue to influence the lives of women.
Most of these stereotypes have been in front of our vision for as long as we can think of. However, the purpose of this article is to point a reminder finger to your vision. So the next time you notice one, make your decision free from the influence of sex stereotypes.
If you liked this article, you may also want to join the Fuzia community for free.