Women love shoes and makeup, men love cars and beer. Gender stereotypes are not only widespread but also deeply embedded in society and in each of us. Most of the time, we are not even aware of these internalized roles, yet they have real consequences. What exactly are gender stereotypes, and how do they influence our lives without us noticing? Find out here.
Gender stereotypes are not just clichés that we hear in jokes or see in movies. They are simplified ideas or assumptions about the characteristics, behaviors, and roles of people based on their gender. For example, women are often seen as caring and emotional, while men are associated with strength and a lack of emotion. Gender stereotypes and roles can be both positive and negative, but they are usually misleading and can limit people in their personal development and opportunities.
Stereotypes Are Taught from Birth
Breaking away from traditional gender roles—such as women as caregivers and men as technicians—is challenging. Most people are unaware that these stereotypes exist or that they have internalized them. From an early age, individuals are placed into specific categories based on their gender. Girls receive pink onesies at birth, boys get blue ones. This continues with toys: one child gets a dollhouse, the other a tractor. These early assignments persist throughout life, shaping how we think about ourselves and others.
Perhaps more girls would be interested in becoming civil engineers if they had played with building blocks and Lego instead of baby dolls. Likewise, more boys might consider becoming preschool teachers or nurses if they had spent more time caring for dolls. These examples are just a small glimpse into the countless ways in which gender stereotypes are reinforced and maintained.
The Long-Term Problem with Gender Roles
Gender stereotypes and traditional roles influence our lives in many ways, often without us realizing it. They shape our career choices by pushing us in certain directions or discouraging us from others. Women, for example, are often deterred from pursuing technical careers, while men are underrepresented in caregiving professions. These stereotypes also affect team dynamics in workplaces—men are frequently perceived as natural leaders, while women are often assigned supportive roles.
But the effects go even deeper. The constant pressure to meet societal expectations can harm self-esteem and cause stress. In personal relationships, stereotypes dictate expectations, such as who should take care of the children or who should be the primary breadwinner. On a societal level, these stereotypes contribute to systemic inequalities, such as wage gaps and differences in career advancement opportunities.
Example: Career Aspirations
A study (Linked below the article) shows that language also plays a role in maintaining gender roles and can unconsciously influence children's career aspirations. Elementary school students were introduced to various professions. When only the masculine form (e.g., "pilot" or "engineer") was used, girls struggled to identify with these careers and were less likely to see themselves in those roles. Other studies confirm that using both masculine and feminine forms in job titles makes women more likely to consider these professions and see themselves as suitable candidates.
Change Is Necessary
Gender-based prejudices and stereotypes are not only scientifically disproven but can also have harmful effects on individuals and society. They limit people’s professional opportunities and prevent them from reaching their full potential. Additionally, they perpetuate gender inequality by maintaining traditional roles and pushing individuals into predefined societal expectations.
It is crucial to recognize these stereotypes and actively work against them to create a society where everyone has the freedom to live and work according to their interests and abilities—regardless of gender.
