Well this is probably something, the moment we read we can identify with. We may not have grown up thinking it this way, but we all know society as well as parents, your own families teach you the difference between being a boy or a girl or even towards gay individuals today. The question whether do parents expose their children to gender stereotypes can be answered as YES.
To illustrate with an example, go back and think over times when your parents have taught you not to behave in a certain way because you are girl and said it does not matter if a guy did. Does the father talk more soothingly to a daughter if she falls? Does he tell his son to toughen up in the same situation?
The way parents interact with their children or teach them about situations affect gender stereotype. How do you know how to behave when you grow up? Do you judge other people on the stereotype considered? The answer clearly is yes as there are society norms for behavior exhibited that you learn to adhere with from home, your parents.
The same goes for examples like ‘Boys are better at Math than girls’ or gay individuals are highly creative and sought only professions like hair stylist, fashion designers etc. No wonder your home is supposed to be considered your second school.
It’s not only parents who promote this but mainly the trend starts at home. It is soon rooted on by friends in a process of learning in the environment that surrounds you and even is exhibited by teachers. Children at their age are very observant and hence observe the kinds of tasks that mothers or sisters do and what fathers and brothers do.
Automatically behavior and thought complimented by action prove these gender stereotypes and make them even more firmly rooted. Depending also on the kind of society you exist in, you will notice stereotypes are firmly rooted or not. Some countries stay rigid to stereotypes. Gender role playing is often carried over generations and finds hard to be uprooted.
Stereotypes have their pros and cons but most of the time can act as hurdles. Note that in many organization the stereotype can prevent growth with statements like ’Women do not make good managers’ hence, the glass ceiling.
We suggest for parents that you maintain equality over behavior as well as give reasons for any change in behavior. Rather than enforce stereotypes and wrong thinking, affect understanding of difference in situations.
A lot of times children also depict this difference of attitudes negatively, to avoid so, explain. Siblings might feel jealousy or less of a priority. To balance your parenting, converse.
I would love to hear your experiences on this issue. Please leave me a comment and let me know. Subscribe our RSS to receive latest parenting & child development updates.
