Stereotypes is defined as the “public information about social groups that is shared among individuals within a culture” (Stangor & Schaller, p.10). It becomes meaningful because it is accepted as true by members of particularly society. Stereotypes become the easy and convenient answer of how things are or why people behave as they do. These quick generalizations in many occasions become regarded as truths. Three of the stereotypes I have kept encountering in the society I am part of pertain to women, youth, and cleanliness. This paper discusses each of these stereotypes and explains the errors in the arguments supporting such stereotype.
It is a woman’s duty to cook, clean, and take care of her family
The sight of my mother cooking dinner is always a comforting picture after a stress-filled day in school. I have an aunt who does the same thing, and another sister as well as a distant relative who all are stationed in their kitchens preparing food whenever I get to visit them. Growing up with these experiences has convinced me that it is natural for women to cook, clean up and take care of their families. According to Windley-Doust, (2008) we do get our stereotypes from the people around us such as our family, our teachers and our friends and I can say that this is true in my own community. Female siblings are expected to learn to cook and clean at an early stage so that they would know what to do when they grow up as mothers, wives, aunts, or grandmas. It is expected that women perform this natural role even if there are other responsibilities added to their lives. Thus, women who work or maintain day jobs are still expected to be prepare the food, clean the house, and be the family caretaker despite having other able members of the family.
Teenagers, especially the out of school are up to no good
It is common to hear comments, especially from parents when they reprimand their kids, about out of school youth and membership of gangs. The usual phrases would be “do you want to be like those good-for-nothing teenagers loitering the street?” or “you’re skipping classes, don’t be like those teenagers?” The argument is that teen-agers who are not in school can not do something good. This assumes that school is the only place where good ideas come from. In addition, there is also the assumption that all teen-agers can be easily swayed by groups or gangs to join them. Parents make these comments to dissuade their kids from dropping out of school thus they argue that when children are out of school they are easily influenced. It does not necessarily follow that when a person stops going to school he/she becomes involved in violent or criminal activities. However, experience in the communities has shown that many of those involved in illegal activities have stopped schooling already. Thus, this stereotype has become accepted in societies.
Men don’t cry
Men are strong. They are the hunters and leaders. They do not show emotion. Crying is a sign of weakness. This is another stereotype that has proliferated in my society. The argument is that men are of a more superior nature. Thus, they should always show strength. Emotions are for women only.
References
Brewer, H. (n.d.) List of Gender Stereotypes. Health Guidance. Retrieved from http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/15910/1/List-of-Gender-Stereotypes.html
Stangor, C. & Schaller, M. (1996). Stereotypes as individual and collective representations. In C.N. Macrae, C. Stangor, & M. Hewstone (eds) Stereotypes and Stereotyping. New York: The Guilford Press, pp. 3-37.
