By: ABDAL SHAMS
The cognitive part of emotion towards a group of people is referred to as a stereotype. It’s the image of other people that most people have in their minds. However, the image produced by people of other individuals is not always a genuine representation of reality.
It is offensively normal in today’s world to form stereotypes. The polarization in society has reached peak. Therefore, general opinions, and one-size fits all solutions are easily acceptable. We see many stereotypes around based on caste, gender, religion, and ethnicity. This only tip of the iceberg. No proper insight and sensitivity leads to forming this stereotyped opinions of others.
Gender stereotyping is a belief that both genders have the same features, features, and roles. It’s a preconceived concept based on assumptions about the role people play in their everyday lives. It is destructive in both directions, since it has an impact on the lives of both the stereotyped and those who hold stereotype-based opinions.
The one who has based his opinion on stereotype has no original thought. They form their opinion based on generalized notions of other’s shallow opinion and hollow arguments. The one who is stereotyped is perceived differently than as they really are. It affects their lives, and the way they are treated.
Gender stereotypes are numerous. Women are perceived as irrational, talkative and limited to home and kitchen while men are perceived as insensitive, conserved and bread winners. Other genders, such as transgender people, are stigmatized. They are treated inhumanely and are on the verge of being ostracized from society. They live in isolated communities in developing nations. In the modern world, stereotyping is found offensive. It results in gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Stereotyping is frowned upon in today’s environment. It has a negative impact on human rights and basic freedoms. It is a generalized approach to view a gender, its attributes and potential. Stereotyping of any gender is harmful as it limits the growth and potential of an individual. Every human as an individual has qualities and talents that are only limited to them personally. Everyone has a right to be viewed original. Every being is unique in his or her own right. Applying a generalized view does more harm than good to our exploration of other people. We mistake them for something else than what they really are.
Patriarchy also leads to gender stereotyping. The term Patriarchy refers to tracing one’s genealogy back to one’s father and family. It is the dominance of males in key spheres of life like employment and in sociological terms. Pakistan being a male-dominated and patriarchal country, segregate gender roles to sustain the social order.
Gender stereotyping develops as a result of a culture’s belief system about the attitudes, actions, and other qualities that appear to distinguish the sexes. As an example. Females are frequently shown as sensitive, dependent, emotional, compassionate, and needing to be protected. Males, on the other hand, are seen to be logical, career-oriented, brave, independent and physically robust. The males are more likely to receive a hostile reception. The women on the other hand, will most likely receive little attention.
This is a sort of prejudice that is extremely harmful. (For example, women’s irrationality and men’s insensitivity) and appear to be innocuous. Gender stereotyping is a fundamental cause of discrimination, abuse, and violence in a variety of contexts. It results in violations of a broader range of human rights, including the right to health, a decent standard of living, education, marriage, family relationships, work, freedom of speech, movement, and political involvement and representation.
According to the labelling hypothesis, when a person is given a name or a trait, they will live up to the expectation. If a boy is classified as mischievous, for example, he will do mischief to live up to the term. This severely restricts a person’s potential and progress, which is extremely detrimental.
Gender Stereotypes is harmful in all its forms and types. We need to deal with the problem of equality without any preconceived notions. When it comes to equality concerns, don’t listen to third-party criticism or pressure. The gender stereotyping can be eradicated through systematic approach. People should be programmed from the days of school. Teachers play a critical role when it comes to offering high-quality, gender-neutral education that promotes students’ well-being and adherence to professional standards.
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