Very few individuals, either female or male, fit perfectly into the stereotypes but those who more closely assimilate into their gender's stereotype tend to be more readily accepted by the rest of society. Those who venture farthest from the stereotype tend to suffer the greatest social sanctions in the form of disdain, attempts by others to modify their behavior, or isolation. Women who fail to be nice or show signs of being arrogant and controlling are subject to social censure in some form while men who fail to be strong and assertive are viewed as being incompetent.
As to which gender suffers most severely from gender stereotyping, it is difficult to say. Each gender undoubtedly is forced to conform in some measure to stereotyping but the fact that males still largely dominate the formation of social norms and expectations it is likely that non-stereotypical women still suffer the most criticism and ridicule (Heilman). Women who demonstrate traditional male characteristics such as aggressiveness or confidence are still viewed suspiciously while men who demonstrate higher levels of sensitivity or warmth do not draw the same level of concern from others. To this extent, women...
Women still must perform better than men than to be perceived as competent as men in the market place and while doing so must still attempt to maintain their femininity. This is arduous task that cuts across many of the behaviors and characteristics that typify the female stereotype.
Works Cited
Auster, C.J. "Masculinity and feminity in contemporary American society: A reevaluation using the Bem Sex-Role Inventory." Sex Roles (2000): 499-528.
Correll, Joshua. "A Model of the Ingroup as a Social Resource." Personality and Social Psychology Review (2005): 341-359.
Heilman, Madeline E. "Description and Prescription: How Gender Stereotypes Prevent Women's Ascent up the Organizational Ladder." Journal of Social Issues (2002): 657-674.
Kelly, Sandra J. "Gender Differences in Brain and Behavior: Hormonal and Neural Bases." Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior (1999): 655-664.
Pfaus, James G. "Conditioning and Sexual Behavior: A Review." Hormones and Behavior (2000): 291-321.
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