Gender Stereotyping In Society

In spite of many legal, cultural, and intellectual challenges that have called it into question, gender-stereotyping remains rooted in society. “Instead of looking at other things and trying to aspire to be something else, we should just be comfortable in who we are and just try to be our best selves” (Upworthy.com, n.d.). How we perceive each other can be determined through assumptions based on race, sex, age, etc. Stereotypes exist in all societies and are often cultural or religious in nature, past down from generation to generation. Most stereotypes have stood the test of time, but some do change. They tend to be prejudicial and disregard a person’s individual abilities, opportunities, and environment. Gender stereotyping in society needs to be challenged and fought in multiple areas: in legislation, industry, media and education, and in individual mind-sets of people.
Changing the mind-set of people is important in reversing the effects of gender stereotyping. For
Changing the mind-set of people’s views about gender narratives, can greatly reduce the problems associated with them. For example, allowing a woman to feel confident in her own skin and not ridiculed for her appearance. Allowing men to reverse the provider role and be a stay at home dad. In addition, using the media as a tool for change against these stereotypes can educate the population about what is acceptable behavior associated with different genders. Furthermore, not pressuring boys to grow-up before they are ready and allowing them to be kids, will reduce the violent tendencies related to male stereotyping. Thus, allowing boys the opportunity to develop self-worth and individual identity. We can only hope that one day, when a woman is sitting in the oval office she is viewed as an intellectual and not a sex