What Are Some Stereotypes
That You Have Held
Regarding Males vs.
Females?
Gender Stereotypes
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Gender is partly based on the physical influence of
a child’s sex, but also culture and family beliefs
influence what we expect in terms of masculinity
and femininity.
Females are stereotyped to be emotional, helpful,
and understanding.
Males are supposed to be independent,
competitive, and determined.
Note: Both girls and boys need relationships with
others to promote healthy development, they also
need opportunities to develop their independence.
Male Stereotypes
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Adolescence is a time during which many of
a young man’s ideas about himself,
masculinity, and his future are formed.
Parents are key players in his life to help
him confront aggression, challenge
stereotypes about what a “real man should
be,” and become comfortable with his
emotions.
Male Stereotypes (contd.)
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Pressure begins in the earliest childhood to
conform to the idea that boys should not
show emotions.
Realize that young men can be
compassionate. It is important that they
have the chance to express this.
Talk with your son about what it means to
be a man, and how society looks at men and
boys.
Female Stereotypes
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Many girls as they approach adolescence become less
likely to express their opinions because they often
are encouraged by parents, teachers and other
adults to be cooperative and nonconfrontational.
Girls who get along are rewarded.
Female adolescents may have experiences in their
math and science classes that suggest they are less
competent than the male adolescents are. Often
teachers (without realizing it) will call on boys more
often than girls in math classes.
How Parents Can Help Their
Adolescent’s Development
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Talk: Teens want to learn about themselves
and they need to hear your views. They also need to
experience you listening to their views.
Encourage: help them to learn to express
emotions and/or frustrations.
Don’t Lower Your Expectations: Don’t
assume
that your teen can’t behave a certain way or make a
particular choice just because she is female or he is
male.
Examine Your Own Expectations:Think back in time.