Societal Norms: Gender Expectation And Role Selection
Social norms are rules that guide human behavior within society, but they can be influenced by social structures such as religion, family, culture, education, economics, politics, and gender roles. As societies evolve, so too do these norms. In terms of gender roles, men and women may be expected to perform different tasks, which impact how they select their careers. These expectations might include staying home to take care of children, earning more money, making decisions, participating in religious services, and taking risks. The way people perceive themselves based on their gender influences their career choices, leading them to choose certain jobs that match their sex. Men who identify as masculine or feminine tend to pursue traditional male or female professions.
In Western cultures, it is generally accepted that men should provide for the family financially while women handle household chores. This has been changing gradually, with an increase in dual-income households, where both partners work outside the home. Still, many parents rely on mothers to stay at home full-time until their kids go to school. Women often face greater obstacles when returning to the workforce after having a child because of inflexible schedules and unequal pay.
Women must navigate parental leave policies and cultural beliefs about childcare that favor women over men.
Some societies place high value on women's domestic skills.
Asian cultures emphasize modesty and subservience in females, encouraging them to prioritize marriage and motherhood rather than professional pursuits. Women there typically marry young and become housewives while their husbands pursue careers. Their low self-esteem leads them to accept lower wages and positions, limiting their financial independence. In contrast, African cultures respect older females, valuing their wisdom and experience, resulting in higher educational attainment rates among women.
These factors do not guarantee equal employment opportunities.
Gender expectations impact job selection in various ways.
Men are more likely to choose engineering or science fields, which are considered masculine. Women may be discouraged from entering these industries due to biases against their abilities. Similarly, males tend to enter military service, where they can display physical strength and risk-taking behavior. Females might avoid this career path if it means being away from home for long periods.
Certain jobs have gender stereotypes; male-dominated professions like construction or police work could make women feel unsafe.
Societal norms and gender expectations influence role selection by shaping how individuals view themselves based on sex. The pressure to conform to traditional roles limits women's choices, leading many to prioritize family life over careers. Men who conform may feel confident and competent in traditionally male occupations but may miss out on non-traditional opportunities.
It is essential to break down societal barriers that restrict people's potential and allow them to thrive in any profession regardless of their gender.
How do societal norms and gender expectations influence role selection?
Societal norms and gender expectations can have a significant impact on an individual's role selection. Societal norms refer to the accepted standards of behavior and belief that are generally expected by a particular society or group within it, while gender expectations refer to the social roles and responsibilities assigned to individuals based on their sex at birth.