The Effects of Gender Stereotype on Men - Term Paper Example

THE EFFECTS OF GENDER STEREOTYPE ON MEN Introduction Gender stereotypes can be described as generalisation of individual’s character, personality, activities and interests based on their sex. Common gender stereotypes within the working environments depict women as emotional, weaker than men and better suited for domestic activities when compared to professional activities. Despite many existing gender stereotypes being focused on women, gender stereotypes of men also exist. These stereotypes commonly concern ambition, drive and power among male individuals, who are perceived as better placed to hold powerful positions. Gender stereotypes have existed for a long time although modern times have seen legislation illegalising gender based discrimination, which commonly arises from stereotypes. These stereotypes commonly present adverse effects upon the individuals since they are not always true and remain elements of assumption. Effects There are numerous effects which different stereotypes have upon the individuals. While women commonly perceive masculinity as being the fundamental advantage which men have over women, this stereotype does not always present such results. Among the women holding these beliefs, masculinity becomes perceived as superiority. Many such individuals will suffer from inferiority complex because of the belief that men are naturally better than them. These stereotypes become fundamental impediments to progression and have detrimental effects within the workplace. Many individuals commonly hold stereotypes based on their environment in which they reside and the social beliefs held by the people. Stereotypes commonly develop because of the external factors and are transferred across generations like cultural and moral values. The stereotype of men being associated with powerful positions presents both positive and negative effects on men. Positive effects Positive effects of stereotypes can be identified as the elements which present individuals with opportunities within their careers, out of the existing stereotypes. Despite many stereotypes being negative, they commonly have positive effects upon the men. The approach with which an individual perceives a stereotype becomes fundamental in determining the effects of the stereotype on the personal life of the individual. Desire to achieve The stereotype of men being advantaged by the mere element of masculinity presents significant driving motives for many male employees. Since the individuals become perceived by the society as destined for the powerful positions, the existing social pressure from these stereotypes could become the source of inspiration for male employees (Gupta, Turban, and Bhawe, p 1055). Individuals can become sufficiently motivated by these stereotypes in seeking promotions. Since they become accorded power through the stereotypes, men commonly presume leadership roles when working within groups consisting of women. This becomes a motivating factor for a man who would not have taken the leadership role. The existence of the stereotype immensely affects the individuals based on the social expectations for them to assume leadership, when they are among female counterpart. Ambitions and aspirations Many ambitions and aspirations among men arise out of the existence of this stereotype. The fundamental reason why many men hold the powerful positions remains the fact that they strive to achieve these positions more than female individuals. The ambition and aspiration which drive men towards seeking political positions for example, remain the ingrained stereotype of these roles being their birth right. Since similar stereotypes also exist among the voters, the possibility of male candidates winning elective position becomes increased. Many of the ambitions which individuals have are elements of the existing stereotypes, which make the individuals ambitious. The stereotypes provide individuals with the courage to pursue powerful positions since the individuals have the belief and confidence, despite having limited capabilities (Vick et al., p 628). Success drivers The existence of this stereotype presents men with increased self-confidence and belief. This confidence results in the individuals becoming motivated towards achieving powerful positions, as they belief they have the capability. This eliminates the elements of doubt and completely overshadows any possible elements of negativity resulting in success. Within the working environment male leaders will strive immensely to ensure they succeed in achieving certain objectives because the society expects them to be successful. The social expectation, based on the existence of stereotypes, places a significant burden on male leaders, who become pressed to succeed. These elements of stereotype become critical in driving an individual towards achieving success, within the many pursued endeavours. Negative effects These refer to the characteristics which occur as a result of having negative perception regarding these gender based stereotypes. These perceptions result in actions which are detrimental to the individuals who hold the stereotype. False esteem Many men experiencing this stereotype are faced with the challenge of dealing with self-esteem. The experience of stereotypes commonly causes men to perceive themselves as superior to women. This creates a high self-esteem among the individuals based on the existing gender stereotypes. The feeling of superiority among men induces a false self-esteem as the individuals become entangled in a world of fantasies. Many of these individuals having these negative effects engage in activities which they believe they can because of the existing stereotype. This commonly results individuals failing to make assessment of their capabilities and ultimately failing in their endeavours Demoralisation following failure Despite the stereotypes leading men into undertaking powerful positions within the society, these endeavours commonly occur without assessment of personal capabilities. Since this commonly results in failure, the individuals commonly become demoralised following the failure. The high self-esteem held by the individuals becomes increasingly affected. Men holding these stereotypes commonly undergo demoralisation effects when they fail to achieve success in activities which women have preceded them and succeeded (Vick et al., p 625). The need and desire to pursue such activities diminishes because of the demoralisation effects occurring after failure. Despite the individuals holding the stereotypes being driven by desire to succeed Gender discrimination The existence of gender based stereotypes commonly results in individuals discriminating against other of the opposite gender. Within the workplace for example, this kind of stereotype would result in only men holding the top positions within an organisation. Though this remains common, many individuals do not have the essential skills to undertake these positions and are offered because of gender stereotyping. This becomes an element of discrimination against other individuals based on their gender. Gender based discrimination becomes aggravated by the existence of stereotypes which perceive one gender as being superior to the other. Selection of wrong careers Men who have been affected by gender stereotypes which make them perceive masculinity as superior to the female gender commonly make their career choices based in the existence of the stereotypes. Many such individuals commonly perceive certain careers as masculine and will select these careers despite having other limitations regarding their capacity to perform their responsibilities (Gadassi and Gati, p 914). Selection of careers should commonly be guided by an analysis of personal attributes in order to estimate capabilities which are essential in performing the responsibilities. This will enable an individual to avert the effects which cause failures occurring when performing career related Conclusion Gender stereotypes have existed in regard to different elements within the society. These stereotypes commonly present individuals with different perceptions which they utilise in making their decisions in life. The existence of these stereotypes commonly influences the decisions and choices which individuals make in their lifetime. The stereotypes of men being associated with powerful positions within the society commonly have positive and negative effects upon the individuals holding the perceptions. Many of these perceptions commonly occur based on the attitude of the individuals regarding the existence of the stereotypes. Positive effects of the stereotype on men are associated with enabling the individual to become motivated in pursuing personal objectives. The negative effects, however, present individuals with characteristics which result in many of the individuals exhibiting negative attributes to others, like discrimination. References Gadassi, R., and I. Gati. “The Effect of Gender Stereotypes on Explicit and Implicit Career Preferences.” The Counseling Psychologist 37.6 (2009): 902–922. Gupta, Vishal K., Daniel B. Turban, and Nachiket M. Bhawe. “The Effect of Gender Stereotype Activation on Entrepreneurial Intentions.” Journal of Applied Psychology 93.5 (2008): 1053–1061. Print. Vick, S. Brooke et al. “The Effect of Gender Stereotype Activation on Challenge and Threat Motivational States.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology 44 (2008): 624–630. Print.  Read More