Article

Gender Stereotypes among
Married Couples
in Family
INTRODUCTION
We are surrounded by gender lore from the time we are very small. It is ever present in our conversation,
humour, and conflict and it is called upon to explain everything from driving styles to food preferences. Gender
is embedded so thoroughly in our institutions, our actions, our beliefs, and our desires, that is appears to us to
be completely natural. Gender is not something we are born with and not something we have, but something we
do [West and Zimmerman1987] - something we perform [Butler 1990].Gender is the symbolic role definition
attributed to members of a sex on the basis of historically constructed interpretations of the nature, disposition,
and role of members of that sex. Gender refers to society’s expectations about how we should think and act as
girls and boys, and women and men. Gender identity is how we feel about gender and gender roles-clothing,
behaviour and personal appearance. Gender roles and expectations are learned. They can change over time and
they vary within and between cultures. The concept of gender is vital because, applied to social analysis; it
revealshowwomen’ssubordinationormen’sdominationissociallyconstructed.
Sex describes the biological difference between men and women, which are universal and determined at birth.
Sex is a biological categorization based primarily on reproductive potential, where as gender is the social
elaboration of biological sex. Sex is based in a combination of anatomical, endocrinal, and chromosomal features
and the selection among these criteria for sex assignment is based very much on cultural beliefs about what
actually makes someone male or female. In the famous words of Simon de Beauvoir, “Women are not born, they
are made”. The same is true of men. The making of man or a woman is a never ending process that begins
before birth- from the moment someone begins to wonder if the pending child will be a boy or a girl. And the
ritual announcement at birth that is in fact one or the other instantly transforms an “it” in to a “he” or a “she”
[Butler 1993], standardly assigning it to a lifetime as a male or a female. Gender consists in a pattern of relations
that develops over time to define male and female, masculinity and femininity, simultaneously structuring and
regulating people’s relation to society. It is deeply embedded in every aspect of society – in our institutions, in
publicplaces,inart,clothing,andmovement.
Stereotypes refer to individuals cognitions that typically do not correspond to reality. A stereotype is a picture in
the head not an accurate mirror of the real world. Stereotypes are representative of a society’s collective
Abstract:
From the problem statement, it is evident that the current study investigated the stereotypical projections
in the relations of married couples. The main intention of the study is to critically examine the stereotypical
gender roles among married couples. The empirical objective for this study is described gender stereotypes
among married couples in family. The study sample consisted of 100 married couples which were selected
by means of random sampling. The chapter concludes with a description of methods used for statistical
analysisof the data gathered.
Akhilasasi
BEd.Student,SreeNarayana
Collegeof
Education,Muvattupuzha.
Article

knowledge of customs, myths, ideas, religions and sciences.1
It is within this knowledge that an individual
develops a stereotype or a belief about a certain group. Stereotypes occur when individuals are classifieds by
others as having something in common because they are members of a particular group or category of people.
Social Psychologists feel that the stereotype is one part of an individual’s knowledge. As a result of their
knowledge, or lack of knowledge, the stereotype has an effect on their social behaviour. Stereotypic behaviour
can be linked to the way that the stereotype is learned, transmitted, and changed and this is part of the
socialization process as well .The culture of an individual influences stereotype through information that is
received from indirect sources such as parents, peers, teachers, political and religious leaders and the mass
media. In order to understand stereotyping, an individual must first be made knowledgeable about the definition
of a stereotype.12
In his book, ‘Men are from earth and women are from earth’, G Soh challenges stereotypes
and proves that there are more similarities than differences between men & women, even anatomically. Men &
womenhave the same desires,wants,dreamsandfears.
Statement of the problem
The word “stereotype” is defined by Merriam and Webster’s online dictionary as:
to believe unfairly that all people or things with a particular characteristic are the same. The
gender stereotyping of men and women has a profound impact on our society. The residuals of
these sexist prejudices in our lives today portray men as masterful, powerful, paternalistic, and
uncommunicative, and women as emotionally responsive and communicative, yet childlike,
helpless and incompetent. The social pressure exerted by these attitudes as damaging to couple
relationship. Each gender stereotype confuses people’s thinking about the difference between
menand women.
Significance of the study
Gender stereotypical expectations dictate perceptions of what is deemed appropriate for men and
women. Research shows that women are the victims of stricter standards and gender-biased
evaluations, especially when in stereotypical male roles and despite of being equally qualified are
often not hired or promoted at the same rate. The current study investigated the stereotypical
projections in the relations of married couples. The main intention of the study is to critically
examine the stereotypical gender roles among married couples. According to Maas and Arcuri
[1994], a stereotype can be described as a form of thought process created in our own mind. We
learn prejudicial attitudes at an early age from observing the stereotypical roles that people in our
families assume. As we progress through school, these attitudes are reinforced by our classmates
and peers. They are also supported by the unspoken biases of our teachers and by the arrangement
of the educational programs. The media is guilty of exploiting the difference between men and
women and of exaggerating gender stereotypes of men and women to sell products. Gender
Stereotypes coincide with society’s expectations. Males are presented as tough and emotionless
while females are portrayed as influential and emotional. Although there are a few expectations to
stereotypical behaviour and image. As research shows, family effects on married couples play a
dramatic role in self-esteem, emotional expression, career options and self-acceptance. Stereotypes
exist as generalizations within a culture. When stereotypes continue to define genders, it becomes
more difficult thanever to counter the gender stereotype and redefine what it means to be a man or
woman.

Objectives
 To find out the major areas of gender stereotypes in family.
 To identify the gender stereotypes in sharing of household.
 To study whether there is difference between husband and wife with regard to decision-
making and independence.
 Family Budget.
 Children’s Education.
 Religious Aspects.
 To assessthe genderstereotypesinsocial lifeof marriedcouples.
 Freedomof Movement.
 Freedomof Expression.
 Freedomtotake decisiononpersonal matters.
Hypotheses
 Patriarchal systemsupportsmajorstereotypesinsociety.
 Womencarry major householddutiesratherthanmen.
 Womenhave lesserparticipationindecisionmakinginfamily.
 Womenhave more religiousconsciousratherthanmen.
 Men have expressedlimitedemotionsinsociety.
 Men decide major economic decisions and they enjoy more freedom of movement
relatedwithwomen.
Methodology
The study aimed at gender stereotypes among married couples in family. For the data
collection 50 married couples were selected randomly from different families through
random samplings. A total of 100 questionnaires were sent to these 50 married
couples. Information was finally gathered through questionnaire and interviews were
also held in order to substantiate the data gathered. Most of the respondents were
personally interviewed by a researcher herself .Almost all the respondents were very
cooperative andwillingtoexpresstheiropinion.
Analysis of the study
Data analysis is considered to be important step and heart of the study. After collection of the data
with the help of relevant tools and techniques, the next logical step, is to analyze and interpret data
with a view to arriving at empirical solution to the problem. The data analysis for the present
research was done quantitatively with help of Statististical Package for Social Sciences {SPSS}.All the
data, whichhave beenanalyzedandcollectedinthe formof tables.
Table1
Men and women share housework equal
Variable Frequency Percent
Strongly disagree 33 33.0
Disagree 9 9.0
No opinion 24 24.0
Agree 1 1.0
Strongly agree 33 33.0
Total 100 100.0

Table 1 is representing the statistical scores of SPSS for knowing the gender stereotypical picture in
between men and women in the matter of sharing household work. In this study, it is interesting that
majority of the respondents are both strongly agree and strongly disagree with the above statement
whichthe researcherraised.
Table2
Man is the achieveroutside the home and womentake care of the family
Disagree 7 7.0
No opinion 12 12.0
Agree 24 24.0
Total 100 100.0
Table 2 shows that most of the respondents [both male and female] in this study are strongly agree
that man is the achiever outside the home and women take care of the family. 26% of them are
strongly dis agree with this statement. It is mainly due to the changing family setup and educational
changesinthe presentsociety
Table3
Women Have Lesser Participation on Decision Making In Family
Disagree 22 22.0
No opinion 17 17.0
Agree 24 14.0
Total 100 100.0
The table3 reveals that majority [24%] of them agreed, 23 respondents are strongly agree,
22% of themdisagree and17 respondentshave noopinionaboutthismatter
Table4
Decision making on family entertainment
Husband alone 34 34.0
Wife alone 19 19.0
Both husband and wife 47 47.0
Total 100 100.0
Table 4 informs that decision making on entertainmentin family is more or less made by
both husband and wife jointly. In egalitarian marriages, both husband and wife had taken decisions.
Majority of the respondent in this study were egalitarian couples. Out of 100 respondents, 34 of
them are masculine decision makers [male members have the authority to take decisions] and 19%
of themhave feminine decisionmakerswherefemale memberstake decisionsinfamilymatters.

Table 5
Decision making on Religious functions
Wife alone 66 66.0
Both husband and wife 14 14.0
Total 100 100.0
Table 5 depicts that; wife is one who makes decisions about religious matters. Men’s
commitment to the work force provides an alternative source of values and meanings that make
religionlessnecessary.
Table 6
Women have more religious conscious rather than men
Disagree 12 12.0
No opinion 10 10.0
Agree 31 31.0
Total 100 100.0
Table 6 shows that women are more religious conscious rather than men. The results clearly
show that 36% of them strongly agree, 31% of them agree, 12% of them disagree and 11% of the
respondentsstronglydisagreewiththe above statement.
Table 7
Who lead mostly family prayers?
Wife alone 49 49.0
Both husband and
wife
28 28.0
Total 100 100.0
Table 7 shows that 49% of the respondents respond that women are more religious
consciousandtheyleadmostlyfamilyprayersinfamily.

Table8
Responses of wives in the matter of sharing household duties
Table 8 reveals that women are still expected to do all of the housework, prepare the meals, and
take care of their children. . In general, wives are more likely than husbands to act as managers for
cooking, cleaning, and childcare, even though one third of the couples said that they shared
responsibilityinthese areas.
Table9
Responses of husbands in the matter of economic decision making
Variables men decision making on economic matters Total
housing loans buy a vehicle computer/TV
matters
gender of the respondents
Male 38 5 9 52
female 34 1 13 48
Total 72 6 22 100
Table9 reveals the responses of husbands in the matter of sharing household duties. In economic
decision-making it is shown that the husband’s influence predominates as shown by the average
percentage of 52.
Table10 Responsesofwivesin the matter of economicdecisionmaking
Variables household duties shared by wife Total
doing
launda
ry
makin
g
minor
home
repair
s
preparin
g meals
disciplini
ng or
punishin
g
children
cleani
ng
house
grocery
shoppi
ng
washin
g
dishes
caring
for
childre
n
workin
g in the
yard
gender of
the
responde
nts
Male 2 0 0 0 15 0 7 21 3 48
femal
e
18 4 16 7 0 5 2 0 0 52
Total 20 4 16 7 15 5 9 21 3 100
Variables women decision making on economic
matters
Total
housing
loans
Buy a vehicle computer/TV
matters
gender of the respondents
Male 32 10 6 48
female 29 7 16 52
Total 61 17 22 100

Table 10 identifies that wives decision making role in economic matters. In economic decision-
makingitis shownthatthe wives influence predominatesasshownbythe average percentage of 52.
Table11
Responsesofhusbands in the matter of freedomofmovement
Variables Freedom of husbands Total
I
usually
travel
alone
I enjoy
entertai
nment
with
friends
I eat
outside
with
friends
I attend
social
function
alone
I go to
church/temple/
mosque/public
spaces alone
I go to
market/
electricit
y office/
bank etc
I visit
relativ
es
alone
I have a
male/
female
friends
gender of the
respondents
mal
e
18 20 9 1 2 0 1 1 52
fem
ale
22 6 2 5 4 2 2 5 48
Total 40 26 11 6 6 2 3 6 100
Table 11 indicates the opinions of husbands in freedom of movement matters. In their opinion
women have more freedom of movement. Women’s mobility raises tensions and involves changesin
the way in which gender roles and social values are understood and conceptualised [Mills 2001. pp
18-19].Gender and mobility are interrelated .Mobility of women is always restricted by society.
Mobilityof a personis tendingtoshowhisor her genderidentityinsociety.
Table12
Responsesofwivesin the matter of freedomof movement
Variables Freedom of Wives Total
I
usuall
y
travel
alone
I enjoy
entertai
nment
with
friends
I eat
outside
with
friends
I attend
social
functio
n alone
I go to
church/templ
e/mosque/pu
blic spaces
alone
I go to
market/
electrici
ty
office/
bank
etc
I visit
relativ
es
alone
I have a
male/
female
friends
gender of the
respondents
mal
e
7 12 1 8 11 9 2 2 52
fem
ale
8 0 3 8 16 8 3 2 48
Total 15 12 4 16 27 17 5 4 100
Table12 identifies the responses of wives in the matter of freedom of movement. Women’s
mobility emphasizes the contradictions of some evil practices in society and has different and
ambivalent affects on the way in which women talk and behave regarding this practices. In society,
comparing with men, women are often allowed a less mobility pattern in society. Among married
couples, mobility of women among households in Kerala is still partly understood as something
which has to be given by husbands to wives under the patriarchal family arrangements. Women’s
mobilitycanbe conditionedbyhegemonicnormativestructureswhichtheyhave internalized.

Major findings
 . Most of the respondents [both male and female] in this study are strongly agree that man is
the achiever outside the home and women take care of the family. 26% of them are strongly
disagreeing with this statement. It is mainly due to the changing family setup and educational
changes in the present society.
 This study explores that women are still expected to do all of the housework, prepare the
meals, and take care of their children. Women work more than men through their
descriptions of the gendered responsibilities that they experienced growing up in their
homes. The gendered norm regarding the division of labour seems to revolve around the
needsof men.
 The study reveals that decision making on entertainment in family is more or less made by
both husband and wife jointly. In egalitarian marriages, both husband and wife had taken
decisions.Majorityof the respondentinthisstudywere egalitariancouples.
 Wife is one who makes decisions about religious matters. Men’s commitment to the work
force provides an alternative source of values and meanings that make religion less
necessary.
 In economic decision-making it is shown that the husband’s influence predominates as
shown by the average percentage of 52. There is a clear majority of the husband’s influence
in three decision-making items namely: buying appliances and household items,
selling/buying family possessions and family saving and investments. Over two-thirds of the
respondents deemed that food and personal or grooming items are the main concern of
wives.
 Majority of the respondents in the study reveals that both couples take jointly decisions
aboutchildrenandtheireducational matters.
 The study reveals that gender is more important in shaping one’s emotional ideology,
emotional experience and habits of emotional expression. Hobbies are shaped by the
stereotypical institutions that existed in family or society. Male were dominated always
skilled hobbies in related with their job while women are followed unskilled hobbies which
theyare indirectly learned through experience and socialization.
Conclusion
Gender stereotypes are universal phenomena Gender stereotypes are very influential; they affect
conceptualizations of women and men and establish social categories for gender. These categories
represent what people think, and even when beliefs vary from reality, the beliefs can be very
powerful forces in judgments of self and others. Men are the decision-makers and the privileged
members in society, the majority of those men who have preconceived notions that the traditional
gender roles are the norm; they will likely ensure that their expectations will be met. On the other
hand the perception of many women that the gender roles are changing makes them content with
the current situation. The gendered norm regarding the division of labour seems to revolve around
the needs of men. The rules fluctuate to benefit men depending on the particular situation. The
culture is forgiving enough to allow men to feed themselves when it is essential, but not forgiving
enough to give men and women equally. Men have fulfilled more instrumental roles while women
have traditional fulfilled the more nurturing, supportive roles. . Husbands make abrogate decision in
economic and socio-economic problems in family. On the other hand, decisions regarding children
are seen as shared responsibilities of husbands and wives. The findings of this studyindicate that the
major household is generally patriarchal since the father usually dominates decision-making in the
home. In society, comparing with men, women are often allowed a less mobility pattern in society.
Among married couples, mobility of women among households in Kerala is still partly understood as
somethingwhichhastobe givenbyhusbandsto wivesunderthe patriarchal familyarrangements.

Men and women appeared to possess different emotional ideologies. Women tended to favour
direct expression of emotion; men to favour emotional management. Hobbies are shaped by the
stereotypical institutions that existed in family or society. Male were dominated always skilled
hobbies in related with their job while women are followed unskilled hobbies which they are
indirectlylearnedthroughexperience andsocialization.
Recommendations
Stereotypes are generalized norms and beliefs in society. The gender stereotyping of men and
women has a profound impact on our society. The residuals of these sexist prejudices in our lives
today portray men as masterful, powerful, paternalistic, and uncommunicative, and women as
emotionally responsive and communicative, yet childlike, helpless and incompetent. The social
pressure exerted by these attitudes as damaging to couple relationship. Keep away the rules and
existingpatriarchal systemwhichdestroythe peacefulfamilyarrangements
Reference
 Chakravati, Uma, “Conceptualising Brahmanical Patriarchy in Early India: Gender, Caste,
Class and State”,Economic and Political Weekly April 3, 1993, pp 579-585.
 Barber .S. Jennifer & Axinn .G. William, “Gender Role Attitudes and Marriage among
Young Women”, The Sociological Quarterly, Volume 39, Number 1, 1998, pp 11-31.
 Arlene Skolnick, The Intimate Environment: Exploring Marriage and the Family, 5th ed.,
1992, 190.
 Gentry.W.James, Commuri Suraj, Jun Sunkyu; “Review of literature on Gender in the
family”, Academy of Marketing Science Review, 2003, pp 1-18.
 Jan Muzamil &Akhtar Shubeena, “An Analysis of Decision-Making Power among Married
and Unmarried Women, Institute of Home Science, University of Kashmir, 2008, pp 43-50.

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