Our next focus area will be the representation of gender.
This is an interesting and demanding area and, to fully engage with
representations of gender, you need to be aware of gender stereotypes.
Gender stereotypes are simplistic generalizations about the
gender attributes, differences, and roles of individuals and/or groups.
Stereotypes can be positive or negative, but they rarely
communicate accurate information about others. When people automatically apply
gender assumptions to others regardless of evidence to the contrary, they are
perpetuating gender stereotyping. Many people recognize the dangers of gender
stereotyping, yet continue to make these types of generalisations. We see
gender stereotypes regularly being reinforced in television drama.
Traditionally, the female stereotypic role is to marry and
have children. She is also to put her family's welfare before her own; be
loving, compassionate, caring, nurturing, and sympathetic; and find time to be
sexy and feel beautiful.
The male stereotypic role is to be the financial provider.
He is also to be assertive, competitive, independent, courageous, and career‐focused;
hold his emotions in check; and always initiate sex.
These sorts of stereotypes can prove harmful; they can
stifle individual expression and creativity, as well as hinder personal and
professional growth.
The weight of scientific evidence demonstrates that children
learn gender stereotypes from adults. As with gender roles, socializing
agents—parents, teachers, peers, religious leaders, and the media—pass along
gender stereotypes from one generation to the next.
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