Application: Gender Stereotyping

Gender stereotyping reflects the perceived psychological traits and characteristics of males and females, and the related roles that are thought to be appropriate for each gender in the family, work, school, and society as a whole. Gender stereotyping impacts individuals in terms of how they view themselves and their place in society, as well as how society views the respective gender and the appropriate behavior and roles for each. The implications can be far reaching.

It is evident by studying history that gender stereotypes have changed over time. One obvious example is in the history of women's suffrage. It was believed in the U.S. that women were not sufficiently mentally astute to vote on the important issues impacting society. A woman's place was in the home raising children and taking care of the domestic needs of the family. With women's suffrage in the early 20th century and the century that has followed, this stereotype has been changed. Not only do women vote, but they hold every office at all levels including heads of state and presidencies across the globe.

As a foundation for the study of gender, this Application Assignment asks you to explore gender stereotypes in some depth, including a consideration of the numerous stereotypes for both men and women; how stereotypes differ by culture; and how stereotypes impact individuals of that gender, the opposite gender, and society as a whole.

To prepare for this assignment:

Review Chapter 3 of the course text, Gender: Psychological Perspectives, focusing on the definition of gender stereotyping, the impact it may have on society and individuals, and cultural differences and similarities in gender stereotyping.

Review the article, "Stereotypes as Dynamic Constructs: Women and Men of the Past, Present, and Future."

Review the article, "Bimbos and Rambos: The Cognitive Basis of Gender Stereotypes." Focus specifically on how the media perpetuates gender stereotyping.

Think about the following questions:

What are common stereotypes for men?

What are common stereotypes for women?

How have these stereotypes changed over time? What stereotypes have not really changed?

What impact do these stereotypes have on individuals of that gender, the opposite gender, and society as a whole? Think in terms of the life of the individuals, the families, school life and the educational journey, work life and career options, health and wellness issues, sexual attitudes and behaviors, and so forth.

Consider whether or not and how any of the stereotypes have impacted you personally.

What impact has the media had on perpetuating gender stereotypes?

The assignment(1-3 pages):

Pick two examples of gender stereotyping and analyze as follows:

Example 1: The first example should be of a gender stereotype that has mostly gone away. It may be a stereotype in any culture. (For example, the old stereotype in the U.S. that women were not mentally astute enough to vote has obviously gone away.)

Briefly describe the stereotype and the culture in which it existed, if not the U.S.

Explain the effects that the stereotype had on the individuals of that gender and on society. Think about the impact on different societal areas, such as family, education, work, health, sexual attitudes and behaviors, etc.

What differences has the elimination of the stereotype made on individuals of that gender and on society? Again, think about the impact on different societal areas, such as family, education, work, health, sexual attitudes and behaviors, etc.

Why do you think that this stereotype has changed over time?

Elaborate on your thoughts using the information from your readings and concrete examples.

Example 2: The second example should be of a gender stereotype that still exists. Again, it may be a stereotype in any culture. Briefly describe the stereotype and the culture in which it existed, if not the U.S.

Explain the effects that the stereotype has on individuals of that gender and on the society. Think in terms of the impact on family, school, work, health, sexual behaviors and attitudes, and so forth.

Explain what difference there might be, for individuals of that gender and for society as a whole, if the stereotype disappeared today. Again, think in terms of the impact on family, school, work, health, sexual behaviors and attitudes, and so forth.

Explain what perpetuates the stereotype.

Explain whether or not this stereotype has changed in a culture from the one in which it currently exists.

Explain how, if at all, this stereotype change impacted you personally.

Elaborate on your thoughts using the information from your readings and concrete examples.

Support your Application Assignment with specific references to all resources used in its preparation. You are asked to provide a reference list only for those resources not included in the Learning Resources for this course.