Understanding Sexism

• Definition: Sexism refers to negative attitudes and behaviors towards individuals based on their gender, primarily focusing on prejudice against women.

Types of Stereotypes

• Gender Stereotypes: Refers to the beliefs we hold about the traits and roles appropriate to men and women.
• Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Stereotypes:
  • Descriptive Stereotypes: Describe how people perceive men and women (e.g., women are emotional).
  • Prescriptive Stereotypes: Outline how people believe men and women should behave (e.g., men should be assertive, women should be nurturing).

Examples of Stereotypes in Society

• Marketing: Example of JCPenney shirts aimed at girls promotes traditional gender stereotypes.
• Education and Employment: Beliefs that women are worse in math can deter them from pursuing STEM careers.
• Nurturing Roles: Women are often viewed as natural caregivers, which can limit their opportunities in other fields.

Discussing Gender Roles

• Child Development Discussions: Insights into how gender stereotypes influence career aspirations.
• Tokens and Harassment: Individuals pursuing non-stereotypical roles (e.g., men in nursing, women in engineering) face discrimination and social stigma.

Gender Polarization and its Impacts

• Concept of Gender Polarization: Societies often define masculinity and femininity as opposites, creating rigid expectations for behavior and roles.
• Cultural Exaggeration: Biological differences are culturally exaggerated, leading to normative gender behaviors (body hair, clothing styles).
• Cultural Constructs: Society assigns color preferences (e.g., pink for girls) that have no inherent meaning.

Gender Stereotype Formation

• Social Learning: Children learn gender norms through direct teaching and observation.
• Influence of Toys: Marketing of toys often reinforces gender norms (e.g., pink aisles for girls).

Sources of Gender Stereotypes

• Religion: Many major religions perpetuate the idea of female inferiority and traditional roles (e.g., women being subordinate to men).
• Modern Social Dynamics: Historically, gender roles based on labor divisions have shaped expectations and behaviors.

Understanding Sexism

• Old-fashioned vs. Modern Sexism:

  • Old-fashioned Sexism: Clearly defined traditional beliefs about gender roles.
  • Modern Sexism: Denial that sexism still exists, tendency to minimize issues affecting women.

• Ambivalent Sexism: Combination of hostile sexist views and benevolent attitudes that restrict women's roles.

Conclusion and Reflection

• Impact of Stereotypes on Career Choices: Understanding the societal pressures and stereotypes is crucial for recognizing their limiting effects on both men and women in the workplace.
• Expectations and Reality: Gender differences are more a product of societal expectations rather than inherent capabilities or traits.