Ch 6: Gender stereotypes

• Sources of modern gender stereotypes
• The Cult(ure) of True Womanhood
• Masculine Ideology
• Function of gender stereotyping
• Revising modern gender stereotypes
• Chapter application:  Virgin mothers

• Identify the sources of modern gender stereotypes
• Summarize the major components of the Cult of True Womanhood
• Summarize the major components of Masculine Ideology
• Explain the function of gender stereotyping
• Assess how to revise modern gender stereotypes

Sources of modern gender stereotypes

Although expectations for both men and women have been around for millennia, the gender stereotypes that we see reflected in today's society have a relatively short history.  In fact, modern gender stereotypes can trace their roots back to the 19th century Victorian era.  This era was named for the reign of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom (1819-1901), but for our purposes relates to the period in the United States between 1820 and the Civil War (1860s), which saw the emergence of a new "middle class" thanks in large part to the Industrial Revolution.

Prior to that time, the United States economy was largely agrarian (farm) based, and both men and women worked at home.  However, the invention of the steam engine sparked the Industrial Revolution and effected a shift in our economy:  men started going off to work in the factories, leaving women at home to take care of domestic duties.  This shift in social and cultural norms resulted in the development of a new belief system known as the Doctrine of Two Spheres, which is the belief that men and women have different interests.

Cult(ure) of True Womanhood

A new ideal of womanhood and a new ideology about the home arose out of the new attitudes about work and family. Called the "cult of domesticity," it is found in women's magazines, advice books, religious journals, newspapers, fiction--everywhere in popular culture. This new ideal provided a new view of women's duty and role while cataloging the cardinal virtues of true womanhood for a new age.  This ideal of womanhood had essentially four parts--four characteristics any good and proper young woman should cultivate: piety, purity, domesticity, and submissiveness. 

Masculine Ideology

So, the Doctrine of Two Spheres set forth the distinction between the roles of men and women.  Just as there were proscribed roles for "true" women during this time period, expectations for "true" men were equally stringent.  Essentially, there were four themes of the male sex-role inventory:  No Sissy Stuff, The Big Wheel, The Sturdy Oak, and Give 'Em Hell.

Function(s) of gender stereotyping

Of course, how well do either men or women (either then or today) compare to each of these idyllic standards?  Not very well, naturally.  We all know that stereotypes are based on exaggerations of perceived differences that may or may not reflect any true distinguishing characteristics.  So, why do we continue to have and rely on stereotypes?

• Simplifies cognitive processing

From a child's developmental perspective, it is actually necessary to greatly simplify the world around him/her, particularly for children with limited cognitive capacity.  The problem, however, occurs when adults continue to maintain these stereotypes without critical reflection.  There are unfortunate negative consequences of relying on such oversimplified views of individuals.

• Maintains the status quo

In most societies, privilege naturally follows from one's rank among others.  In some circumstances, privileged people (in this case men) may rationalize the current status of one gender over another as a reflection of the 'way things have always been and should always be'.

• Acceptance of modern gender stereotypes

Examples of representations of modern gender stereotypes are pervasive in today's multi-media climate.  The overwhelming social acceptance of these views can shape our understanding of what it means to be a man or woman.  By normalizing these distinctions we become desensitized to change and can actually start to internalize the belief that men and women are different and have different beliefs, abilities, etc.  

Revising modern gender stereotypes

So, how do we go about revising these modern gender stereotypes?  There have been several theories put forth over the last several decades to address this question, all with varying levels of results.  We'll focus on just one theory to give us an idea of the complexity of solving this cultural riddle: the Gender Role Strain Paradigm.

Purpose:  The goal of this activity is to critically examine common gender stereotypes, understand their origins and impacts, and explore ways to challenge them in everyday life.  It is intended to recognize and articulate common gender stereotypes, understand the impact of stereotypes on self-concept, relationships, and social roles, as well as to develop tools to critically question and challenge gendered expectations.

Step 1: Brainstorm & List (10 minutes)

1. Divide the board or a large sheet into two columns: “Common Stereotypes About Men” and "Common Stereotypes About Women”
    (Optionally include a third column: “About Non-Binary People” if your class has covered gender diversity.)
2. As a class or in small groups, brainstorm and list as many stereotypes as possible—what society expects, assumes, or says about each group.

Examples:

• Men are emotionally stoic.
• Women are nurturing and emotional.
• Non-binary people are just “confused.”

Note:  Encourage honest input but remind students the goal is critical analysis, not reinforcement.

Step 2: Stereotype Swap (10–15 minutes)

1. Assign or let students pick a stereotype from the list (either individually or in pairs/small groups).
2. Ask them to flip the stereotype in one of the following ways:
   • Apply it to a different gender and explore the double standard.
   • Turn it into a strength or neutral trait.
   • Imagine a world where the opposite is assumed.

Prompt Examples:

• What if “being emotional” were seen as a sign of strength in all genders?
• What happens when a man is a stay-at-home parent—how is he perceived differently than a woman?
• How do media, education, or family reinforce this stereotype?

Step 3: Mini Skits or Creative Responses (Optional, 15–20 minutes)

In pairs or groups, students can create:

• A short skit, commercial, or mock interview that challenges a stereotype.
• A social media post, ad, or campaign slogan that flips the script.
• A comic strip or quick storyboard of a real-life situation where a stereotype is defied.

Present to the class for discussion.

Step 4: Class Discussion or Reflection Questions (10–15 minutes)

• Where do these stereotypes come from (media, religion, family, etc.)?
• How do gender stereotypes limit people of all genders?
• Have you ever felt pressured to conform to a gender stereotype?
• What can individuals and institutions do to break down harmful stereotypes?

Identify the sources of modern gender stereotypes

• How do historical roles and divisions of labor contribute to contemporary gender stereotypes?
• In what ways do media representations reinforce or challenge existing gender stereotypes?
• How does language use perpetuate gender stereotypes in everyday communication?
• What role does education play in either reinforcing or challenging traditional gender roles?
• How do cultural narratives and traditions shape our perceptions of gender roles today?

Summarize the major components of the Cult of True Womanhood

• What were the four cardinal virtues associated with the Cult of True Womanhood, and how did they define women's roles in the 19th century?
• How did the Cult of True Womanhood influence women's participation in public and private spheres during its prominence?
• In what ways did the Cult of True Womanhood serve to uphold the social and economic structures of the time?
• How did women who did not conform to the ideals of the Cult of True Womanhood navigate societal expectations?
• What lasting impacts of the Cult of True Womanhood can be observed in contemporary society?

Summarize the major components of Masculine Ideology

• What are the core tenets of traditional Masculine Ideology, and how do they define expected behaviors and attitudes for men?
• How does Masculine Ideology influence men's mental health and their willingness to seek help?
• In what ways does adherence to Masculine Ideology affect men's relationships with others, including family, friends, and colleagues?
• How does Masculine Ideology intersect with other social identities, such as race, class, and sexuality?
• What are the consequences of challenging or deviating from traditional Masculine Ideology in various cultural contexts?

Explain the function of gender stereotyping

• How do gender stereotypes simplify social interactions, and what are the potential drawbacks of this simplification?
• In what ways do gender stereotypes contribute to the maintenance of social order and power dynamics?
• How do gender stereotypes influence individual self-concept and career aspirations?
• What role do gender stereotypes play in shaping educational and professional opportunities for different genders?
• How can awareness of the functions of gender stereotyping inform efforts to promote gender equality?

Assess how to revise modern gender stereotypes

• What strategies can be implemented in educational settings to challenge and revise existing gender stereotypes?
• How can media and popular culture be leveraged to promote more diverse and accurate representations of gender roles?
• What role do policy changes play in addressing and revising entrenched gender stereotypes in the workplace?
• How can individuals contribute to the revision of gender stereotypes in their daily lives and communities?
• What are some successful examples of initiatives or movements that have effectively challenged and changed gender stereotypes?

Assignment Overview:
 In this 4–6 page essay, you will first explain the social and psychological functions of gender stereotyping. Then, you will critically assess contemporary efforts to challenge and revise these stereotypes in society, culture, or media. Use scholarly research and examples to support your analysis.

Assignment Prompt:

Part I: The Function of Gender Stereotyping (2–3 pages)

• Define gender stereotypes and describe their origins and persistence.
• Explain the social functions of gender stereotypes (e.g., simplifying social interactions, reinforcing power structures).
• Discuss psychological and cultural reasons why stereotypes are maintained.

Part II: Revising Modern Gender Stereotypes (2–3 pages)

• Identify key strategies currently used to challenge or revise gender stereotypes (e.g., education, media representation, policy changes).
• Assess the effectiveness of these strategies with examples.
• Reflect on ongoing challenges and suggest additional approaches for meaningful change.