Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
Gender perceptions have been changed over time, and the idea of masculinity and femininity are no longer as rigid as they used to be years back. The perception of gender is modeled through the basic channels in individual’s lives very early in a child’s life. Gender roles influence how a child interacts and socializes with his or her peers, the personality traits one adopts, domestic behaviors, the perception of physical appearance and occupation one takes up.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper. It is then reflected in the way one’s adult life turns out, and the attitude one will develop towards work, relationships, responsibilities and decisions among others. Some of the major influences of gender perception include parental influence, friendships, school, stereotypes portrayed by the media and environmental factors among others. The traditional roles and expectations put on femininity and masculinity have taken a shift and are now they are less limiting. Despite the differences that exist in the physical makeup or emotional perception of the two genders, gender roles and identity are getting more open in the world we live in today.
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Body of Introduction
Gender perception is an important aspect when it comes to the gender roles individuals will choose to take up or the gender identity they will choose. Traditional gender perception has always had an impact on the path one chooses to take in terms of career choice or domestic roles. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.Gender discrimination is the greatest downside to traditional gender perception as the female gender has been limited to certain roles and responsibilities. They have been treated as the weaker gender and stripped of the ability to be independent of the man. However, through the evolution of time and the increase in empowerment efforts women have been able to change their roles in the society and that has influenced a great shift in the gender perception curve.
- Topic Introduction
Since the beginning of time, there have been distinctions between a man and a woman based on their sex. Different societies in the world have had a way in which they treat a man or a woman or what they expect them to act like or become in the future. The perception of gender is rooted in our historical upbringing (Galy-Badenas, 2015). It is a product of what we were taught; for instance, a man is more masculine and does the handier job while the woman takes care of the less demanding jobs. Our perception of gender is formed there, and then through observation and in some instances, a bias can be formed that men are strong and women are weak. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.Masculinity and femininity throughout the centuries have defined in a standard way, and every individual has been expected to behave or take up roles that are specific to their gender. The perceptions have caused limitations on the lives of people since society has exerted pressure on individuals to conform to the specific expectation set by society. Gender roles are placed on a child from birth and as the child grows the idea is assimilated into them by the parents, family, friends, society, school and mass media.
However, in the 21st century, gender roles have changed and are no longer as rigid as they were years back. The idea of femininity and masculinity has evolved, and both men and women have gone above and beyond the limits the society placed on them. In both the domestic and professional spheres the assigned roles based on gender are slowly being washed away, and the two can easily interchange without backlash or judgment (Galy-Badenas, 2015). Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.More men are choosing to stay at home dads or take up cleaning jobs that had been initially assigned to women, on the other hand, more women are taking up engineering courses, joining the military and even working as mechanics. The gender shift has slowly been taking place and what was considered as strictly feminine or masculine in the 20th century is now totally different. The concept of gender perception is now more relative and less limiting. Masculinity and femininity are not the only basis of assigning gender roles. Individuals are now able to follow their dreams without being limited by whether or not their gender allows them.
- Overview
Gender stereotypes or bias have been a big issue in most parts of the world with the problem of gender discrimination coming out as the greatest obstacle. The world has witnessed a pattern of inequality between the two genders ranging from women suffering violence in the hands of men, women being left out of decision-making processes, and women having limited participation in economic processes among others. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.To understand the shift in the perception of gender, it is important to, first of all, compare the opportunities accorded to both genders in the past to the roles taken up by both men and women in presently. Some of the discussions that will take place involve both domestic and professional roles played by the two genders and how it differs from the past (Galy-Badenas, 2015)t. The paper will delve into the psychological shift in how men and women are viewed and some of the factors that may have influenced the shifts. In addition to that, there will be a discussion on the division of roles among the two genders within a relationship and how they differ from the traditionally ascribed roles. Finally, the paper will cover the measures of gender roles and the attitude of society towards the change.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
- Summary 1
The article studies the difference in the perception of leadership between male and female in two work domains (Fjærli, 2015). It places special attention on the maritime industry and how over the years more women have been incorporated. The study looked at the different leadership theories and whether or not they were affected by gender perception in the maritime industry. In general, the article aimed at exploring the effects of implicit beliefs about the leadership of male and female and how it affects how the two genders were perceived in the maritime industry. The study relates to my topic in that it shows how the shift in gender perception has occurred over time especially in an industry that was male-dominated just a few years back (Fjærli, 2015). According to the study more women in the leadership positions added value to the company due to the balance it brought (Fjærli, 2015). The research carried out tested Eastern Norway students from major educational institutions and 23 participants from the maritime industry. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.The participants were issued with GLOBE questionnaires, and the maritime samples were interviewed. The results that were found after the research illustrated no clear dissimilarity in the overall leadership performance of both men and women. However, the way the two genders were perceived in terms of their reactions differed. While male leaders were perceived as being assertive when they got angry, female leaders were seen as controlling and aggressive when they reacted in the same manner. Gender did not, however, stand in the way of productivity and both male and female CEOs and Captains carried out their responsibilities as expected. The result of the research emphasizes the fact that gender roles have evolved and now both male and female can take up similar roles without limitations.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
- Summary 2
The topic studied the differences in gender perception on life roles such work-life balance and how different organizations have taken the initiative to ensure they provide workers with variable environments (Doble, 2010). Considering the increase in employment opportunities in IT and BPO in India both the female and male gender have a chance to venture into them. However, the work comes with problems such as increased pressure in the workplace, over aching goals, non-supportive work environments, extended working hours among others. Organizations have designed ways in which they can enable different genders to cope with the pressure of work-life balance (Doble, 2010). Women are mostly the point of focus since as much as they have a professional role to play, they are still expected to carry out domestic responsibilities such as childbearing and nurturing among others. Men on the hand do not feel any pressure even when they neglect their family as long as their work life is successful (Doble, 2010). Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.The paper relates to my hypothesis that the ascribed gender roles have a big influence on both domestic and professional life. Women have since the beginning of time assigned more domestic roles like caring for the family, cleaning, cooking, and childbearing while men have been presented as the ones who go out and work and bring in food at the end of the day. However, the evolution of time has changed all that and women have taken up more professional jobs, and it is about time organizations stepped in to make work-life balance more manageable for the women. The test was carried out on employees from the Information Technology sector and other workplaces as well to sample different views and opinions. The research collected by administering questionnaires to 110 employees from the IT industry since they registered as the most demanding sector and other sectors as well. The findings of the research were that both men and women thought that flexible working hours would allow the workers to have a more stable work-life balance. Other factors that were mentioned were the ability to work from home or work part-time. More women were for the idea that they should have the option of taking care of emergencies at home. Generally, both men and women felt that the working hours should be flexible to ensure work-life balance. Gender roles have transformed, and so has gender perception of work. Therefore the workplace should put this into consideration and make working hours more flexible for its employees to encourage more women to venture into professions with extended working hours.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
- Summary 3
The article examines the perceptions that women have towards their gender roles and how it affects their progress (Abdullah, 2008). It focuses on women from Malaysia and how changes in time have allowed them to be more empowered. It explores the gender roles placed upon women and how empowerment has led to an overload in their work. Women are expected to work professionally while still ensuring the stability of the family (Abdullah, 2008). The Malaysian women, when asked to choose between work and family, opted for family due to the traditional roles given to them. Even though more women have ventured into the work scene very few have been accepted. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.The topic I am discussing is about the shift in gender roles, and this is evident in the Malaysian scenario. Women have evolved from domestic chores to taking up work that was initially termed as masculine. They have also been facing challenges since it is a new venture and the practices in place do not have women in mind.
The research for the study was carried out in both rural and urban Malaysia. Questionnaires were distributed to 1000 Malaysian women of varied ages and income groups. A sample population was also selected, and interviews carried out. The findings were that Malaysian women still followed and respected their traditional roles that pertained to the family. Women from both the urban and rural areas believe that even with employment women should still play their roles as caregivers. Women despite their success in the workplace were still expected to be in the kitchen and nurturing the family. Gender roles are slowly changing in most parts of the world, and a traditional country like Malaysia is also following suit. The society has made it possible for women to take professional work which in itself is a major shift.
- Summary 4
The paper examined how perceived gender roles that were nurtured in childhood affected how women made a career choice in fields related to science (Kray, 2018). Perception of gender roles has a major impact on the decisions one makes regarding the career path they choose to take. The process takes into account how the postmodern feminism affects one’s decision as well as other factors such as gender roles and personal identity development (Kray, 2018).Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper. The research relates to the topic I have chosen; it explains how the perception of gender roles can influence one’s professional path. An individual can perceive his or her gender roles differently than what is dictated by society, and that can impact their professional choice. The article used four women as its case study. It delved into the lives and choices made by the case profile to understand the case under study.
The case study profiles were from different backgrounds with different expectations placed upon them regarding gender roles. The case studies all reported that they had supportive parents growing up as well as other members of their support systems. They also had experiences and opportunities that allowed them to develop personalities that were inclined towards personal growth. Additionally, their perception of postmodern feminism also contributed to their inclination towards science related courses. Gender perception place a major role in how the roles different genders choose to take up or even career choices. The shift in perception therefore also greatly influences choice since the society and the environment does not play any role in limiting the potential careers to take up.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
- Overall Summary
All the articles above indicate that the perception of gender roles have changed and that women especially are getting better opportunities for growth. They also indicate the lack of strategic environment to ensure that women thrive professionally as well as domestically. Work-life balance has proven to be imperative, and it is about time organizations and companies ensured that their employees had more flexible hours to facilitate it. The articles have ventured into the traditional roles of women, and those ascribed roles have stood in the way of their progress or have caused an overload of work making them less productive. In general, the articles talk about the shift in gender perception in the present generation as compared to years back when it was limited and specific to individual genders.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
The articles have provided me with more background information regarding the topic of gender perception and how the shift in gender roles have been influenced. People in the world have learned to be more open-minded and are less likely to conform to the unrealistic expectations placed upon them. However despite the positive changes and the fact that women have been able to join the professional world it was challenging to balance life and work generally. Traditional roles of women have not completely been disregarded since women are still the ones required to rear children and nurture families. The merging of the new found freedom of choosing whatever career a woman desires and the responsibilities that a woman has naturally is one of the limitations I have found according to the articles. In that case, it is essential that the professional world takes into account the limitations and provides a more flexible working environment for both genders. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.Finally, the articles have given me insight on the lack of boundaries in today’s world as to what careers a woman should pursue, but there are limitations in attaining leadership positions.
Hypothesis
The effects of gender perception and roles on life choices. The independent variable gender roles whereas the dependent variables are life choices.
Gender perception plays an integral role in life choices including career choices, and over the years the shift has been visible. Unlike the past whereby there were specific responsibilities and roles of different genders things in the present times have changed and more women have been empowered and given an opportunity to choose whatever career they desire. According to the research reviewed above, more women have joined the military and the maritime industry as well as other male-dominated careers such as Information Technology. In Malaysia for instance, women still respect the traditional roles ascribed to them by society but have also chosen to take up careers. Perception of gender roles among these women has contributed majorly in the rate of their progress.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper. In India, women have shown interest in IT and BOG and have been lobbying for flexible hours to make the work environment more receptive to the female gender that still has other domestic responsibilities. Perception of gender roles starts in childhood and affects the way one perceives career choices. In the past science, related courses were specifically taken by the male gender while women did art courses. However, according to the research reviewed in 4 above the case study shows that support from the people closest to an individual allows them to be more open to the idea of exploration regardless of the social roles.
Gender distinction is an issue recognized worldwide and different societies have ways they treat their women and men based on the expectations they have on them. Gender perceptions are formed from there and assumptions created that men are stronger than women are. Globally, there is gender inequality is an issue that has to be researched and solved. The paper explains how both genders play roles and if the roles differ based on gender perception by people. In the past, there existed traditional perceptions moreover, roles based on masculinity and femininity which are now less limiting. Evidently, gender roles are becoming open globally today.Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
Hypothesis
Hypothesis 1
H0: u1 = u2 If there is gender perception on roles, there will be no significant difference in leadership between women and men in work environments
H0: u1 ≠u2 If there is gender perception, there will be a significant difference in leadership between women and men in work environments
Hypothesis 2
H0: u1 = u2 If there is gender perception on roles, there will be no significant difference in work life balance between women and men in work environments
H0: u1 ≠u2 If there is gender perception on roles, there will be a significant difference in work life balance between women and men in work environments. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
Hypothesis 3
H0: u1 = u2 If there is perception of gender roles, there will be no influence on the career choices in science courses
H0: u1 ≠u2 If there is perception of gender roles, there will be an influence on the career choices in science courses
Methods
The method used in the case study was data collection that involved questionnaires and surveys (Oh, 2014). The research study was conducted in both urban and rural Malaysia. The data collection was conducted on both males and females aged between 19 and 49 years. A sample population of 30 was selected and the survey was conducted. The questionnaire comprised of demographic factors and social factors that were simple to answer. The respondents were to fill the questionnaires as directed. The people filling the questionnaires were literate and willing. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.The main language used was English and they were clear and simple. The questionnaires contained both structured and open-ended questions.
The method employed in this study is empirical because it contains evidence collected from the data in the questionnaires and evidence derived from conducting the questionnaire experiments. The data collected was measured and analysed using SPSS. The data was gathered and analysed by coming up with assumptions on the topic gender perceptions influence life choices such as leadership, work life balance and career choices in science fields. The data collected will be analysed and proof of the assumptions will be identified through empirical research. The data used for the empirical research is quantitative data, which is accurate thus; it will produce valid and unbiased results.
Participants
The participants tested in this study were a sample of 30 respondents. They were from different background with different points of views on gender perceptions and roles and how it impacts on their life choices. The participants were Malaysians aged between 19 and 49 years. The total number of participants was 30 who were randomly selected from a population of 1000 Malaysians. The number of males was 6 which was less as compared to women who were 24. The demographics illustrate that more women participated in the research compared to men this could be because they are currently working hard to improve themselves in their careers and personal life.
The mean of age was 25.67, which explains that the participants who responded were averagely aged between 25-26 years. The least age was 19 meaning the youngest participant was aged 19. The maximum age was 49 meaning the oldest participant was 49 years. The standard deviation of age was 7.327 meaning the ages were scattered approximately 7 years from the average age of 25 years. The participants were from an IT industry because it is amongst the most demanding sectors in the job environment. The participants were both men and women who had different opinions on gender perceptions impacts on life roles in leadership, work life balancing and career choices in science courses. The participants participated in the survey because the survey was compulsory in their work departments. If it were a voluntary, survey the results will be biased making the research unreliable. The participants were issued questionnaires by their supervisors, which we collected later.
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Materials
The materials used include:
Fjærli, B. A. B. (2015). Differences in perception of male and female leaders in two work domains (Master’s thesis, Høgskolen i Buskerud og Vestfold).
The article explains the difference that exists in the gender perception between males and females in their work environment. The article looks into the maritime industry and whether leadership authorities are impacted on by gender perceptions. The study illustrates that women benefit to the maritime industry meaning there has been a shift in gender perception in an industry that was once male dominated. The article proves that gender perception on life roles does not hinder productivity of women or men and they both can take up similar roles.
Doble, N., & Supriya, M. V. (2010). Gender Differences in the Perception of Work-Life Balance. Managing Global Transitions: International Research Journal, 8(4).
The material illustrates how the differences in perception of gender impact on life roles such as work life balance. Organizations are coming up with techniques to ensure that both men and women can withstand work life pressures. The paper relates to my hypothesis that the ascribed gender roles have a big influence on both domestic and professional life. In the past men were to go out and bring food while women expected to perform domestic chores. Recently, some women are taking up professional jobs and some men prefer to stay at home taking care of domestic chores. As a result, both women and men feel that there is need for flexible working hours to ensure they balance on life and work. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
The computers used were desktop and laptops and the participants were in their work environment when the study was conducted. There were physical objects I the study which were pencils that were used to fill the questionnaires and write any rough work or extra information.
Procedure
The experimental design in the research was randomized block design whereby the researcher examined the effect of gender perceptions on life roles such as leadership, work life balance and science career choices on both male and female groups. The participants were instructed to fill all blank spaces in the questionnaires and to ensure they do not leave blank spaces. The stimulus conditions that I manipulated to change behaviours included gender perceptions and roles. The dependent measures were leadership roles, work life balance and choices in science careers.
Results and Discussion
The results of standard deviations and means of the dependent measures leadership roles, work life balance and choices in science careers are as shown in the table below:
Table 1
| Descriptive Statistics | ||
| Mean | Std. Deviation | |
| Female leadership | 70.03 | 15.764 |
| Female work life balance | 75.5 | 16.008 |
| Career choice related to science | 63.5 | 14.774 |
| Male leadership | 64.83 | 14.025 |
| Male work life balance | 70.07 | 15.831 |
| Male career choice related to science | 59.03 | 16.994 |
The researcher used SPSS statistical package to analyse the data and derive results from the data. The statistical test that I used I the analysis of the data was paired T-test. The independent variable was the gender perceptions and roles while the dependent variables were leadership roles, work life balance and choices in science careers on basis of both female and male. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
The table 2 below shows that the t=2.52, the DF =29 and the level of significance 2-tailed is 0.018 which is less than the p-value 0.05. Therefore, the researcher concludes that if there is gender perception, there will be a significant difference in leadership between women and men in work environments.
Table 2: Comparison of means of female-male leadership
| t | Df | Sig | ||||||
| Mean difference | SD | SE | 95% C I | |||||
| Lower | Upper | |||||||
| Pair | 5.2 | 11.31 | 2.07 | 0.98 | 9.42 | 2.52 | 29 | 0.018 |
DF (degrees of freedom) CI (Confidence Interval) Sig (Significance) SD (Standard deviation) SE (Standard Error)
The table 2 below shows that the t=2.17, DF=29 and level of significance 2-tailed is 0.04 that is less than the p-value 0.05. Therefore, the researcher concludes that if there is gender perception on roles, there will be a significant difference in work life balance between women and men in work environments.
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Table 3: Comparison of means of female-male work life balance
| t | Df | Sig. | ||||||
| Mean Differences | SD | SE | 95% C I | |||||
| Lower | Upper | |||||||
| Pair | 5.43 | 13.74 | 2.51 | 0.30 | 10.56 | 2.17 | 29.00 | 0.04 |
DF (degrees of freedom) CI (Confidence Interval) Sig (Significance) SD (Standard deviation) SE (Standard Error)
The table 2 below shows that the t=3.232, DF=29 and level of significance 2-tailed is 0.003 that is less than the p-value 0.05. Therefore, the researcher concludes that if there is perception of gender roles, there will be an influence on the career choices in science courses.
Table 4: Comparison of means of female-male career choices in science fields
| t | Df | Sig. | ||||||
| Mean difference | SD | SE | 95% C I | |||||
| Lower | Upper | |||||||
| pair | 4.467 | 7.569 | 1.382 | 1.64 | 7.293 | 3.232 | 29 | 0.003 |
DF (degrees of freedom) CI (Confidence Interval) Sig (Significance) SD (Standard deviation) SE (Standard Error)
References
Abdullah, K., Noor, N. M., & Wok, S. (2008). The perceptions of women’s roles and progress: A study of Malay women. Social indicators research, 89(3), 439-455.
Doble, N., & Supriya, M. V. (2010). Gender Differences in the Perception of Work-Life Balance. Managing Global Transitions: International Research Journal, 8(4). Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.
F. (2015). A qualitative study of male and female perceptions in differences in the working and domestic sphere: a comparison of the French and Finnish cultures.
Fjærli, B. A. B. (2015). Differences in perception of male and female leaders in two work domains (Master’s thesis, Høgskolen i Buskerud og Vestfold).
Kray, L. J., Howland, L., Russell, A. G., & Jackman, L. M. (2017). The effects of implicit gender role theories on gender system justification: Fixed beliefs strengthen masculinity to preserve the status quo. Journal of personality and social psychology, 112(1), 98.
Oh, J. H. (2014). Research methods. Perceptions of Gender roles Essay Paper.