Art of Being Human

Introduction

Stereotypes are notions that a group of people hold to others on the basis observed behavior. Stereotypes mostly make a certain group of people to feel more superior to others thereby creating prejudice. The fact stereotyping depend uses individual opinions as opposed to scientific evidence makes it a rather subjective way of judging others. In most cases, stenotypes depend on mere hearsay to decide on whether a person fits a particular group or not. Therefore, stereotypes mostly influence the human culture. Stereotypes consider that people of a certain group have the same character or traits. People are unique and they have unique traits or behaviors. Therefore, various aspects of defining people should take into consideration the unique characters of every person.

In this essay, we will be looking at how stereotypes affect the human culture. This is in respect to an idea in the twentieth century that holds to the opinion that culture greatly influences stereotypes. The essay continues to look at the different ways in which these stereotypes influenced the society by identifying those responsible for its propagation. Finally, the essay will discuss the ways of dispelling these cultural stereotypes if at all they continue to prevail in modern society.

Stereotypes of women in the workplaces

In the twentieth century women’s entry in the workforce developed at a higher rate. The women population in the work force increased considerably. For instance, the number of women in the work force in the United States reached 45 per cent and it is still rising (Wood, 2009, p.46). Women competed with men in various careers earlier traditionally known as male-oriented fields. Gradually, women left the traditional roles designed for them and joined various professions.The entry of women into these professions created interest in gender empowerment that promoted their professionalism in different careers. Traditionally, women were caretakers of their children and husbands while pioneers who went in for full-time employment met the criticism of disinterest in marriage, an unmarried woman or as uncommitted (Cleveland, Stockdale & Murphy, 2000, p.55). Most women who were working then faced many challenges. For example, as far as changing trends reflected on their lifestyles, some of their male counterparts stereotyped them as prostitutes (Wood, 2009, p. 37).

Perpetuation of stereotypes in the workplace

The entry of women into the workforce came under attack of different forms of stereotypes. For example, gender stereotype determined whether “the girl child has a right to education.” This forced the society to educate the girl-child thereby giving her an equal chance in the job market as the boy-child. Moreover, it influenced by the perception that men held concerning women, leading fair treatment of both sexes Therefore, the society has allowed women to have careers that were previously male-dominated and it no longer regards women as inferior to men(Cleveland, Stockdale, & Murphy, 2000, p. 28).The government has worked tirelessly to ensure the girl child is educated. It has also established laws that protect the rights of women. The society has also accepted the idea of women having equal opportunity as men.

Women stereotypes in the modern culture

In modern culture, some communities still do not educate women. Most fields such as civil and aeronautical engineering remain predominantly occupied by men. In addition, most societies still consider men superior to women. Human rights agency need to step up efforts of community sensitizations in order to curb stereotypes and its associated risk factors (Domenico, 2006, p.6). Those parents who do not educate their girls should face the law. If women would consider themselves as important as men by the society were, this would have helped in dispelling these stereotypes. However, this may not be easy but it is possible because it requires time and also funds for campaigning.

Conclusion

The percentage of women in the workforce increased in the twentieth century. Entry of women in workforce determined to confront negative effects of stereotype. In most societies, authorities emphasized women education to bridge the gap between literacy levels that caused and sustained stereotype behavior. In the workplace, women’s assertiveness and initiatives significantly contribute to curtailing the negative effects of stereotype behavior.

Men need to come to terms with the fact that women are capable of doing almost everything that a man can do except for a few extremely physically involving chores. It is worth noting that a woman’s role in the work place has changed significantly. As the society continue to realize different potential of people earlier discriminated or despised because of their physical attributes, many people have proved stereotype as false in judging workers competencies as it failed to capture the uniquely important skills intrinsic to the employee.

Reference List

1. Cleveland, J. Stockdale, M. & Murphy, K. (2000). Women and men in Organizations: sexual and gender issues at work. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlhaum Associates.
2. Domenico, D. & Jones, K. (2006) Career aspirations of women in the 20^th Century. Journal of career and technical education 22(2) 1-7
3. Wood, J. (2009) Gendered lives: communication, gender, and culture, 8^th edn. Boston: Wadsworth.