We are all familiar with the story of Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Cinderella. Many times, we romanticise living the life of a fairytale, but rarely have we ever stopped to think how these fairytales could have influenced how we expect men and women to behave. Usually, when we think of women or girls, we would picture someone with long hair, agreeable, and family-oriented. These stereotypes stem from what is commonly known as gender roles. Gender roles refer to how individuals are expected to behave according to their assigned sex. For example, men are expected to be strong, aggressive, and ambitious while women are expected to be polite, nurturing, and detail-oriented. As we are constantly exposed to messages about how we should behave based on our gender, these social expectations of gender roles get reinforced both consciously and unconsciously.
In the media, the woman’s looks are often emphasised and portrayed to be the defining factor of their success and happiness. As seen in most fairy tales, the attractive female is portrayed as a damsel in distress, passive and helpless, waiting to be saved by the prince. On the contrary, evil female characters are often portrayed as unattractive, with stereotypical masculine traits, such as determination, and strength. Researchers have suggested that such portrayal of women in fairy tales reinforces the stereotypes we hold of a woman's character is closely linked to their appearance. These deeply ingrained gender stereotypes are often communicated through micro-messages such as body language and our choice of words especially in our male-dominated society, such as dismissing or belittling women. This could potentially contribute to problems we face relating to our beliefs and treatment of others.
Impact of gender roles
The unequal distribution of household chores is a classic example of gender inequality. A ‘second shift’ refers to the unpaid duties performed back at home in addition to paid jobs during the day. Unsurprisingly, the term is more often used on women who tend to shoulder most of this responsibility. Multiple studies have found that the amount of time women spend on household chores and childcare duties are close to double that of what an average man does. The time and energy invested in their second shift is a major barrier that hinders women from excelling in the workplace.
Women, especially after marriage and giving birth, often fall victim to gender discrimination in the workplace. In Singapore, approximately 1 in 3 women have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace, with 59.5% of women reporting a gender pay gap and 40.5% believing that gender is taken into consideration for promotional opportunities.
The glass ceiling, which refers to an invisible barrier that prevents women from attaining high positions in the workplace, is common within organisations. Women are found to be given lesser promotional opportunities as compared to men. While women are progressively attaining higher educational achievements, research suggests that a gender pay gap still exists regardless, where men are consistently paid better than women. The 2020 report from the Singapore Labour Force found the gross monthly income for men to be $4,144, while women only earn an average of $3,792.
The impact of gender roles spans far beyond limited opportunities at work. Women are often at the receiving end of microaggressions - defined as a subtle verbal or non-verbal behaviour consciously or unconsciously directed at a member of a marginalised group that has a harmful or derogatory effect. Microaggressions can come in the form of:
Making insensitive or sexual jokes or remarks about women. Telling women to ‘act more lady-like’ or to smile more
Using derogatory terms on women. Slut-shaming
Assuming that women are inferior. Assuming that the person in power is a male instead of female
Objectifying or oversexualising women - using women’s bodies to sell products in advertisements
These microaggressions, although seemingly harmless, could negatively impact one’s self-esteem, social identity, and mental wellbeing. Various studies have found positive correlations between experiences of discrimination and stress, depressive symptoms, and mental health conditions. Additionally, when women internalise such stereotypes, they start to feel less powerful and capable than men. In more extreme cases, gender roles may contribute to hyper-femininity, the exaggeration of stereotyped behaviour that is believed to be feminine, such as being soft, passive, nurturing, and accepting. Research has suggested that hyperfeminine individuals are more likely to endure physical and emotional abuse from their partners.
Empowering women around us
In a society where patriarchal values are very much entrenched, women are often at a disadvantage. Here are some things we can do to help women break out of socially imposed boundaries:
Recognise that you might have an unconscious bias against women
Offer support and validation if a woman shares their concerns with you
Speak out about gender misrepresentation in the media
Speak up when people are discriminated based on their gender
Provide women with equal education and work opportunitiesRecognise women’s contributions in the domestic chores (and help them out)
Through the years of progression in gender equality, there are a fraction of men who understand the importance of sharing the responsibility and take the initiative to help with household chores, groceries, and caring for the children. However, a bigger fraction of men still hold onto traditional values where women should be the primary caregiver and homemaker on top of their jobs. As such, perpetuating the discrimination that women face. Hence, the division of labour within the household should not be solely dictated by our stereotypes on gender. Men can help out with the household chores as much as women are helping out with the finances. Regardless of gender, an equal partnership with shared responsibility is important to maintain a loving and mutually respectful relationship.
Interesting reads https://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/hohonu/volumes/documents/Vol07x07HappilyEverAfter.pdf
https://www.iop.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/IGB-gender-stereotypes.pdf
https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/about-1-3-employees-spore-mostly-women-face-gender-discrimination-work-sccci-survey
Co-author: Belinda Sng Qi Rong