AGENTS VS STEREOTYPES
WORDS - AARON NEWTON
Gender stereotypes may seem harmless. We know they are there and have always been there. They are ingrained in our cultural fabric and influence our perceptions from an early age. Yet, when these stereotypes take root, they can lay the foundation for power imbalances and toxic dynamics within relationships.
The episode titled ‘Agents vs Stereotypes’ discusses how held gender stereotypes and norms can limit or constrain personal identities and behaviour. The episode examines common stereotypes through various psychological experiments and surveys, finding that many supposed innate differences between genders are learned from society.
This may or may not be a surprise, but it is interesting to hear what the science says. Read on to dive into some of the studies discussed in the ‘Agents vs Stereotypes’ episode.
WHAT IS A GENDER NORM?
Gender norms are social expectations on how individuals of a particular gender should behave, often rooted in cultural and historical contexts. The experiment conducted on the TV series ‘No More Boys and Girls: Can Our Kids Go Gender Free?’ shows that even with good intentions for gender-neutral interactions, individuals tend to reinforce stereotypes unconsciously and conform to traditional gender-based behaviours.
ATTITUDES AROUND SEX ARE SIMILAR ACROSS GENDERS
Malgen’s (2017) study explores the intriguing relationship between gender roles, stereotype consistency, and cognitive performance, particularly in reading and understanding others' feelings and thoughts. The study prompts us to consider the role of expectations in shaping individuals' self-perceptions and behaviours.
Suppose women believe they are expected to excel in tasks related to understanding emotions. In that case, these expectations can become self-fulfilling or, conversely, induce anxiety and underperformance if they feel pressured by stereotypes.
The framing of questions or tasks can inadvertently activate stereotypes, influencing participants' mindsets and performance. The study sheds light on the complex interplay between gender roles, stereotypes, and cognitive performance. It invites further exploration into how societal expectations and stereotype activation can influence individuals' perceptions and abilities, emphasising the need for nuanced approaches to understanding and addressing these dynamics.
This survey explores parents' perspectives on their children's communication skills, focusing on gender-related expectations: parental expectations and gender stereotypes related to communication skills and empathy. Notably, the survey disrupts conventional gender norms by revealing a consensus among parents: an overwhelming desire for their sons to possess strong communication skills. This shift challenges pre-existing stereotypes and indicates a broader societal recognition of the multifaceted significance of effective communication in various life domains.
The survey results show that parents strongly desire their sons to possess practical communication skills, challenging the conventional belief that such skills are essential for girls. This reflects a growing recognition of the vital role of communication in various aspects of life and suggests a positive trend towards fostering communication skills in both genders. However, the study also reveals the persistence of gender stereotypes, including the view that girls are naturally better at communication due to societal expectations associating femininity with empathy and effective communication.
FISH AND TESTOSTERONE?
Go with us on this one; promise it’s related.
Research has shown that testosterone's effects are complex and influenced by various external factors. In a study on African Cichlid fish, despite castrating males and lower testosterone levels, these fish remained brightly coloured and maintained aggressive mating behaviours. When placed in a tank with a larger, territorial male, a previously aggressive fish became non-territorial, losing its colour and aggressive behaviour. Conversely, a non-territorial fish in a tank with smaller fish became the aggressor, showing increased testosterone production and aggressive mating behaviour.
This information says a lot about the impact of environmental factors, particularly relative size and social dynamics. These play a crucial role in shaping behaviour and testosterone levels in these cichlid fish.
Ok, yes, we know humans are not fish. When applied to a human study, Ander, Steiger and Goldey (2015) suggest that different communication styles based on gender could influence testosterone levels. They explore how social and cultural factors, such as communication norms and environmental conditions, might impact physiological responses. This study could contribute to broader conversations about the complexity of gender-related behaviours and how they interact with biological factors.
RIGID GENDER BINARIES ARE NOT UNIVERSAL NORMS
Power dynamics can affect intimate relationships, which may stem from societal expectations about gender roles. Traditional gender norms often dictate specific behaviours and roles for men and women, creating imbalances in power. Creating a consent culture requires breaking down the idea that gender determines certain behaviours. This shift involves encouraging communication, setting boundaries, and respecting each person's autonomy. Consent should be mutual, enthusiastic, and ongoing in all intimate situations. To build healthy relationships and challenge societal expectations, we must work together to promote inclusivity and consent. We can do this by dismantling rigid gender binaries and fostering a culture that prioritises safety, respect, and communication. This process requires educating ourselves, having open discussions, and committing to creating inclusive spaces for everyone.
A CALL TO ACTION
By understanding the interplay between gender norms and domestic violence, we arm ourselves with the knowledge to dismantle the destructive patterns that persist.
This episode is not just a dissection of stereotypes but a call to action. Understanding the impact of gender norms on behaviour and their connection to violence is essential for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society where individuals can express themselves authentically, irrespective of societal expectations.
Keep learning and explore the concept of intersectionality to understand how various forms of oppression and privilege interconnect and interact, how colonisation brought patriarchy and racism and creating a culture of masculinity and violence to a culture of peace.
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