Stereotypes are mental images that people assume about others, schematic representations of a group of people that are defined based on certain representative characteristics. These characteristics can be true or false, but since they consist of an extreme simplification of a complex reality, stereotypes are always limited and have incomplete interpretations. Stereotypes tend to generate prejudice since they lead to prejudgment. We tend to have favorable prejudices towards the groups with which we identify ourselves and negative prejudices towards those we perceive as different.
Personality: For example, women are usually expected to be pleasing and emotional, and men are expected to be confident and aggressive.
Domestics: Some people expect women to take care of children, cook, and clean the house, while men take care of finances, cars, and repairs.
Occupations: Some people are quick to assume that teachers and nurses are women, while those in medicine, engineering, or flying planes are men.
Physical Appearance: For example, women are expected to be slim and elegant, while men are expected to be tall and muscular.
These are just some examples of stereotypes that you can find in society, however, stereotypes have an origin, and this can be different. For example, the family environment is the first nucleus where gender roles are learned. On many occasions, girls and boys are even valued, rewarded, or punished if they show behaviors, interests, or expressions of emotions, according to what is expected of them. Society establishes what is expected of us as women or men. This is noted in various ways, from clothing distinctions to the expressions we hear throughout our lives. The media plays a very important role in creating the stereotypical male and female image.
Stereotypes are fictitious constructions; however, we should not act according to them. The change begins in the decision of each individual to want to change their thinking about others.
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