8. Gender stereotypes Beliefs about sexual orientation Gender role attitudes Gender Belief System Beliefs about one’s own gender roles Perceptions of role violators
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
