This document discusses gender stereotypes and sexism. It outlines common stereotypes that exist about the traits, roles, physical characteristics, and cognitive abilities of both men and women. For example, it is commonly believed that women are emotional, helpful and kind, while men are active, self-confident and able to make decisions easily. The document also discusses how feminism aims to challenge these stereotypes and promote women's rights and equality. However, sexism and anti-feminist attitudes still persist and disadvantage women in many areas like university professorships, political office, and corporate leadership.
8. Gender Belief
System
Beliefs about
one’s own
gender roles
Perceptions
of role
violators
Gender role
attitudes
Beliefs about
sexual
orientation
Gender
stereotypes
9. Gender Stereotypes
Much research done in 1960s & 70s
Agentic/Instrumental—men
Independence, strength, self-confidence
Communal/Expressive—women
Emotional, helpful, kind
Gender polarization
10. Common Gender Stereotypes: Traits
Beliefs about Women
Able to devote self to
others
Aware of others’ feelings
Emotional
Helpful
Gentle
Kind
Understanding
Warm
Beliefs about Men
Active
Can make decisions easily
Competitive
Feels superior
Independent
Never gives up easily
Self-confident
Stands up well under
pressure
11. Common Gender Stereotypes: Roles
Beliefs about Women
Cooks the meals
Does the household
shopping
Does laundry
Is fashion conscious
Source of emotional
support
Takes care of children
Tends the house
Beliefs about Men
Assumes financial
obligations
Head of household
Financial provider
Leader
Responsible for household
repairs
Takes initiative in sexual
relations
Watches sports on
television
12. Common Gender Stereotypes:
Physical Characteristics
Beliefs about Women
Beautiful
Cute
Dainty
Gorgeous
Graceful
Petite
Pretty
Sexy
Soft voice
Beliefs about Men
Athletic
Brawny
Broad-shouldered
Burly
Muscular
Physically strong
Physically vigorous
Rugged
Tall
13. Common Gender Stereotypes:
Cognitive Abilities
Beliefs about Women
Artistic
Creative
Expressive
Imaginative
Intuitive
Perceptive
Tasteful
Verbally skilled
Beliefs about Men
Analytical
Exact
Good at abstractions
Good at numbers
Good at problem solving
Good with reasoning
Mathematical
Quantitatively skilled
14. Feminism
“Feminism is the radical notion that women
are people.”
“I myself have never been able to find out
precisely what feminism is. I only know that
people call me a feminist whenever I
express sentiments that differentiate me
from a doormat…”—Rebecca West
15. Feminism
“Are you a feminist”?
“No, but I believe in women’s rights.”
Implications
Evolution of Ms.
16. Consequences of Sexism and
Anti-Feminism
Men currently comprise:
85% of tenured university professors
89% membership in the US House and 90% in the US
Senate
95% of Fortune 500 CEOs
99.9% of athletic team owners
At the current rate of increase, it will take 459
years (until 2466) before women are as equally
represented at the top of the career ladder as
they are at the bottom.
Sticky floor, Glass ceiling, and Glass elevator
Editor's Notes
Gender Belief System—illustrates the components of the gender belief system including beliefs about gender roles, gender associated stereotypes, attitudes toward women’s and men’s gender roles, and perceptions of those who violate those roles, including violations based on sexual orientation.