Gender Roles and Perceptions in the Modern Era

Gender roles are culturally and socially determined sets of expectations based on concepts of masculinity and femininity. Examples of gender roles are police officers, housekeepers, race car drivers, nurses, and IT consultants. Gender roles are distinguished from sex roles, i.e. sex roles are natural and biologically determined whereas Gender roles are society-determined. For example, in most societies, a woman’s or man’s responsibility at home is not necessarily determined by biological factors but rather based on and influenced by the cultural, legal, social, economic, and political environment in which people are living. For example, in some homes boys are allowed to take part in decision-making meetings whereas girls are told to help their mothers in the kitchen. Such acts cause gender differences between women and men.

Gender roles are deeply ingrained in our society and can significantly impact individuals, particularly women. Restrictive gender roles often limit women’s potential and opportunities, affect their self-esteem and mental health, and shape their relationships with family. For instance, according to UN Women world -survey on the Role of Women in Development, discriminatory social norms and gender stereotypes position women and girls as the default providers of care, which means that women are more likely to be unable to acquire decently paid work, be financially independent, and accumulate savings, assets, or retirement income for their later years.

Gender refers to the socially and culturally constructed roles, privileges, and relations of women, men, girls, and boys. Gender can also be termed as the social construction of men’s and women’s roles in a given culture or location. During a webinar discussion held by Women of Uganda Network (WOUGNET) on the 30th of May 2024 on “How to Integrate Gender and Digital Rights in Policies and Programs”, participants shared their life experiences and how gender roles are perceived at their workplace, in communities they live in and how it impacts their lives. Some of their experiences included;

“Me and my colleagues (2 girls and 3 boys) had gone to the field for work. When it was time for cooking food, our male colleagues said that they could not cook, they emphasized, cooking is for women not men, so women go.  This statement made us feel bad, discriminated against and less valued as women.”

“I am a teacher by profession. One day we had a staff meeting at work and I was the only female teacher in the meeting. During the meeting, the chairperson (who was a male) ordered me to write minutes since I was the only female in the meeting. When I asked them why they are making me write minutes, everyone pointed a finger at me saying I am rude..  The situation made me reflect on how society thinks and believes that certain jobs/roles are meant for women and others for men, making me write minutes while the male teacher chairs the meeting made me feel under-privileged.”

Such statements highlight how societies have created social norms of behavior, values, and attitudes that are deemed appropriate for men and women and the relations between them. The societal perception of gender roles maintains a social hierarchy in which men hold power over women in political ,personal, public and private settings. Socializing men and women into these roles influences them to internalize this social hierarchy and replace power dynamics which perpetuate gender inequality and discrimination.

Impact of gender roles on women

Rigid gender roles can restrict individuals particularly women from pursuing their own interests and goals, leading to frustration and resentment.

They also shape self-perception, attitude to relationships and influence participation in the world of work. For example, they can affect a young person’s classroom experience, academic performance, subject choice in girls, well-being and eventually the future career.

Gender roles impact women’s/ girls development, affecting her self-esteem and opportunities for growth. Restrictive gender roles often discourage girls from pursuing interests that are “inappropriate’’ for their gender, limiting their potential and opportunities for exploration. For example, girls may feel discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM fields or leadership positions, while boys face ridicule for expressing interest in traditional feminine activities like dancing or cooking.

Recommendations

There is a need for gender equity, that is, justice and fairness in the treatment of women and men in order to eventually achieve gender equality, through provision of leadership training for women or establishing quotas for women in decision-making positions in order to achieve the state of gender equality so that they are able to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes.

Conduct gender analysis among women and men to identify, analyze and understand different activities of women, men, boys and girls (gender roles), relations between men and women (gender relations) and patterns of women’s and men’s access to and control of resources. This is an important planning tool because it provides information for better planning. It gives information on who performs what activities and at what levels – household, community or national; who owns what resources; who uses what resources.Additionally, Gender analysis encourages gender sensitivity and distinctions in terminology. It also promotes an understanding of gender relations, as a basis for identifying whether it is necessary to include explicit strategies to involve women.

Parents can challenge societal perceptions on gender roles by encouraging children to pursue their interests and passions, regardless of gender.For example, instead of relegating activities according to gender/sex, parents can provide a wide range of things to do without limiting them based on gender roles that is both a boy and a girl can participate in decision making without limit any due to their gender. Furthermore, parents should also foster an environment that encourages open communication and allows their children to express themselves in their preferred way without judging or criticizing them. By being mindful of their own biases and challenging them, parents can create a home for their children that encourages them to express themselves emotionally, regardless of gender.

Educators play a critical role in contesting gender norms and promoting inclusion and diversity in the classroom. Creating an inclusive and equitable learning space can help students feel valued and supported, regardless of gender identity or expression. Teachers should avoid using gendered language or stereotypes in the classroom. Instead, educators should strive to create opportunities for all students to participate in all activities and subjects.

Teachers can also encourage students to explore their interests and pursue non-traditional paths, breaking away from gender stereotypes that limit potential opportunities.

In conclusion, creating a gender-equal world is essential for the well-being and development of all women. We can create a more equitable society where everyone will thrive if we unite to break down restrictive gender norms and promote inclusivity. Each one of us has a part to play in the movement towards gender equality that is by challenging gender norms in our own lives.

Compiled by;
Babirye Roseline, Program assistant Gender and ICT Policy Advocacy

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