Women Stereotypes

Are Women Being Held Back by Stereotypes?
The economic argument over gender equality are overwhelming, but stereotypes keep getting in the way of progress. Unfortunately, these stereotypes have been ingrained in the brain of Americans in school, by their families, and by their friends. One of the stronger stereotypes currently is that women are perceived as more “communal” and “loyal”, whereas men are described more as “protectors” and “competent”. These traits have lead men to take roles in society that garner respect and power. These societal roles have existed for generations, and has lead to a societal wide belief that women should behave like their predecessors. As it currently stands women are being negatively affected by these stereotypes,

This unfortunate truth that the average woman makes twenty percent less than a man’s salary is a strong argument for women to use to fight for new legislation where women are treated more fairly. Without change, the U.S. Census Bureau has stated that the pay gap won't close till 2152. Supporters argue that these numbers are because women work less hours to raise their children and that women are not offered higher starting wages for the same job as a man and when raises are presented are less likely to ask for more. Men are overrepresented in higher ranking positions and in turn this lends them to hire applicants like themselves, overwhelmingly men. The men in these positions continue to hold these aforementioned stereotypes, and are unwilling to change in their rigid

This stereotype is non existent among males, as number of children plays no role in how the man is viewed. As a result, mothers are often penalized for their family commitments, but fathers tend to be “recommended for management training more than men without children.” Based on that information, if anything men have a reverse stereotype scenario which as per usual is in their favor. Researchers describe this phenomenon as a “motherhood penalty” and “fatherhood bonus”, but in truth they are just stereotypes once again rearing their ugly head. As we currently stand women are forced to decide on pursue their career goals or starting up a family, a decision that men are not forced to face. While steps are being taken towards providing more flexible workplaces, better parental leave policies and more chances for women to get back into the workplace. But these opportunities are still lower than what their male counterparts are presented across all ages. If our stereotypes and biases continue to affect the hiring process, then women will continue to be at this disadvantage despite all the women and men pushing for women to achieve