Gender Roles and Gender Differences

Gender Roles and Gender Differences

Introduction

Every society establishes some expectations about the behavior of men and women. They are considered to be the gender roles. This set of expectations is the gender roles which are the specification of behaviors that are appropriate for men and women. Gender roles propose how men and women should dress up, how they should behave and act, and which type of work they should do. These are the gender differences that are the perception of the society (Nevid & Rathus, 2009).

Discussion

Gender roles and Gender stereotypes

Gender role mainly designate the kind of behavior which is considered appropriate for men and women by the society. Jobs are designated as “Men's work” and “Women's work”. This is the example of gender roles in the society (Nevid & Rathus, 2009). Gender stereotypes are the perception of the people that they tend to believe in the behavior of men and women. It is the fix belief what the characteristics of men or women are. These beliefs often raise the racism and discrimination among men and women. For example, it is the stereotype that women are not good enough in managerial level. It gives more opportunities to men to act as a manger level (Nevid & Rathus, 2009).

Another stereotype is related to the math, women tend to worry about their performance in math test as compared to men. In culture, mostly seen stereotypes are that women are sensitive, kind, nurturing, dependent and submissive and the men are tough, independent, dominant, self-reliant and protective (Nevid & Rathus, 2009). It can go positive for women as they are thought to be kind and sensitive. It goes negative through the stereotype that defines the women as more submissive and dependent. Such stereotypes are wide spread in different cultures. Women tend to perceive themselves as more sensitive and emotional, and the men perceive themselves as more assertive. Stereotypes also affect the opportunities that are open for men and women in many sectors (Nevid & Rathus, 2009).

Masculinity and femininity

Gender stereotypes affect the conceptualization of men and women. These beliefs establish the social categories for men and women. These stereotypes psychologically make the men different from women. Women are considered to be more sensitive, dependent, kind, emotional, patient, sophisticated and shy (Anonymous, 2000). These stereotypes should be adopted by women to become Feminine. Men are considered to be independent, self-reliant, tough, aggressive, career oriented, determined, coarse and capable. More closely the man is to such characteristics, more he would be considered as a “real man” (Anonymous, 2000).

Gender Differences

Physical differences

Girls are more advanced physically by birth and they mature earlier as compared to men. Their physical development stops sooner. Male are not advanced by birth, they suffer more development disorders including speech defects, mental retardation, genetic defects and ADHD. They are more disposed to diseases and malnutrition. Girls tend to make more intimate friends. Boys develop a circle of friends but don't have them close and intimate ...