Gender Roles, Stereotypes and Relationships
"Statistics show that 95% of domestic violence involves a male perpetrator and a female victim. The other 5% includes same-sex relationships or a female perpetrator to a male victim.
Gender roles and stereotypes can cause problems in relationships as it sets up inequality between males and females. Boys are not born to be violent, or have unhealthy attitudes towards girls. These attitudes and behaviors are learned through stereotypes of what society thinks it means to act and behave like a man.
Inequality between a male and female in a relationship can be problematic if gender roles and stereotypes are present. If a couple in a relationship have bought into gender roles and stereotypes, they may not have the skills to create a fair and equitable relationship. He might act controlling. She might behave passively, always putting his wishes first. This relationship has a basis for an inequality of power.
We all have a choice about how we act and behave. We can behave like the stereotypes and act out gender roles in relationships, which can lead to unhappiness and possibly violence. On the other hand we can challenge them to have healthier and meaningful relationships based on equality and respect."
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In relationships, it is very common for the male to assume the strong, assertive, head of the household position. The reason why this happens is explained well in this article. Young boys don't have a problem playing with girls and playing with dolls with their sister, but as they age, stereotypes in society shape their mindset to feel as if these activities are girly and weak. Young boys don't see their young girl companions as lesser or weaker, the only thing separating the two genders is the fear of catching cooties.
As the boy ages and grows into a young adult he is taught that he is stronger, faster, and smarter than the young girl he used to play with on the playground. That is society's contribution to raising boys. In many relationships, the man is the self-proclaimed leader of the house. Not to say that this is wrong for him to lead, but in the relationships that end in domestic violence, the woman is passive and submissive. The male partner takes "leadership" and often times when the female shows her opinion that the male has learned is inferior to his vast knowledge and life experiences, he uses brute strength.
It is important for there to be a common ground of equality in relationships. It is healthier for both sides to have a sense of respect for their partner.
When you take a look at the occasions and holidays that emphasize male and female interaction you can see, without a doubt, that each gender has a specific role that they are expected to stay inside. For example, on Valentine's Day women expect to be pampered and treated like royalty. Men expect, in exchange for their romantic gestures, to get favors from the women as well. If the roles were reversed, if men were spoiled and women bought flowers and payed for dinner, men would be viewed as lazy and weak. If women took on the man's role she would be viewed as pushy and too assertive. It is clear that men and women cannot have the equality in relationships that this article stresses unless society changes it's views and the roles and expectations are removed.
---Becca Schulte
"Statistics show that 95% of domestic violence involves a male perpetrator and a female victim. The other 5% includes same-sex relationships or a female perpetrator to a male victim.
Gender roles and stereotypes can cause problems in relationships as it sets up inequality between males and females. Boys are not born to be violent, or have unhealthy attitudes towards girls. These attitudes and behaviors are learned through stereotypes of what society thinks it means to act and behave like a man.
Inequality between a male and female in a relationship can be problematic if gender roles and stereotypes are present. If a couple in a relationship have bought into gender roles and stereotypes, they may not have the skills to create a fair and equitable relationship. He might act controlling. She might behave passively, always putting his wishes first. This relationship has a basis for an inequality of power.
We all have a choice about how we act and behave. We can behave like the stereotypes and act out gender roles in relationships, which can lead to unhappiness and possibly violence. On the other hand we can challenge them to have healthier and meaningful relationships based on equality and respect."
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In relationships, it is very common for the male to assume the strong, assertive, head of the household position. The reason why this happens is explained well in this article. Young boys don't have a problem playing with girls and playing with dolls with their sister, but as they age, stereotypes in society shape their mindset to feel as if these activities are girly and weak. Young boys don't see their young girl companions as lesser or weaker, the only thing separating the two genders is the fear of catching cooties.
As the boy ages and grows into a young adult he is taught that he is stronger, faster, and smarter than the young girl he used to play with on the playground. That is society's contribution to raising boys. In many relationships, the man is the self-proclaimed leader of the house. Not to say that this is wrong for him to lead, but in the relationships that end in domestic violence, the woman is passive and submissive. The male partner takes "leadership" and often times when the female shows her opinion that the male has learned is inferior to his vast knowledge and life experiences, he uses brute strength.
It is important for there to be a common ground of equality in relationships. It is healthier for both sides to have a sense of respect for their partner.
When you take a look at the occasions and holidays that emphasize male and female interaction you can see, without a doubt, that each gender has a specific role that they are expected to stay inside. For example, on Valentine's Day women expect to be pampered and treated like royalty. Men expect, in exchange for their romantic gestures, to get favors from the women as well. If the roles were reversed, if men were spoiled and women bought flowers and payed for dinner, men would be viewed as lazy and weak. If women took on the man's role she would be viewed as pushy and too assertive. It is clear that men and women cannot have the equality in relationships that this article stresses unless society changes it's views and the roles and expectations are removed.
---Becca Schulte