Girls Group!Gender Roles

What kind of occupations should a female have?

Contrary to the messages we receive from the media, society, and even family and friends, females aren’t limited to certain

occupations because of their gender. These expectations are considered gender

roles. Gender roles are any social or behavioral norms a society considers

acceptable based on a person’s gender.

Think Again!

Examples of Female Gender Roles• Only females clean the

house• Cooking is a woman’s job• Women should marry and

have kids• All ladies are expected to be

loving, nurturing and gentle• Working is for men. Women

need to stay home and care for the household and children.

Say what?!!

• What about these expectations do you disagree with?

• Can you think of any women you admire who do not fit these typical gender roles?

• Are there any gender roles you agree with and plan to emulate in your future? Why?

Who is to Blame?

Many of you may be wondering how these specific gender roles come about. Below is a list of factors that can contribute to gender roles:• The media: movies, commercials, music, etc.• Society. Where we live and the actions of those around us contribute to gender roles• Fear. Many of us fear that we will be treated differently if we don’t follow these roles

Can you think of anything or anyone that may also contribute to

gender roles in our society?

Did You Know…?

• Role learning can start at birth. For example, parents place newborn boys in blue outfits and newborn girls in pink.

• Children are aware of gender roles by age 2 or 3. At a young age, children are given “gender appropriate” toys.

• Gender roles start young and continue later in life. Did you know that women tend to outnumber men in care-related occupations such as childcare, healthcare, and social work

Did You Know…? (Cont’d)

Despite an increase in education and professional success, women still make less than men. Just how much you ask? On average, women make about 77 cents on the dollar and even less if you are Black or Latina.

How do you think this difference in pay can influence gender roles?

Gender Roles and Sexism

Much of the gender expectations in our society stems from stereotypes. Stereotypes, as we know, are oversimplified images and ideas about a group of people based on opinion and not fact. Gender stereotypes in particular can lead to sexism, the unfair treatment of others because of their gender.

Discussion/Reflection

• Are there any professions you would rather see a female do? A male do? Why?

• Would you trust a male nurse? A female firefighter? A male hairdresser? If not, what aspects have caused this distrust?

• Can you think of any male gender roles?• What can we do to stop or limit the gender

roles in our society?

HOMEWORK

• Please bring in at least one magazine/newspaper ad, or any promotional material showcasing negative or positive images of women. We will be making a collage and discussing these images next Monday.