Module 1 Gender Stereotypes Session 2 Introduction Society has created not only traits but also different roles, behaviour patterns, vocations, responsibilities, aims, traditions, ethics and speech usages for males and females based on the difference of sex. These differences have been continuing from generation to generation without any change and the aforesaid conditions are considered by many as static as are sexual differences which have been created by nature. A general acceptance is created here that males and females in a certain group of people should have different behaviour patterns, characteristics and traditions. These conditions are generalized by the society and they are based on the beliefs and attitudes which are rooted in the society. These conditions are introduced as stereotypes of gender. An acceptance is created in the society based on the attitudes as to how a female should behave, act, and what traditions, customs should be adopted, what words should be spoken and what clothes should be worn by a female. It is also accepted that a male should have a different approach in that regard. The attitude to the effect that “the true female” or “the true male” should adhere to these social acceptances is built as a result. Due to the fact that these gender stereotypes are deeply rooted in the society, many do not compel themselves to question them or challenge them. The reason is that they are internalized in the human mind as natural or biological differences between women and men. Therefore, males and females have to make decisions regarding each other’s human relations, expectations, jobs, resources, opportunities, freedom etc. based on the stereotypes of gender. Thereby the independence of the both parties is restricted. However, females become the most disadvantaged due to these stereotypes. Objectives • To understand how females and males are given a dissimilar position in the society due to the characteristics, roles, traditions and behaviour patterns that have been attributed to them by society. • To identify the advantages and disadvantages that males and females experience due to the dissimilar posi tions they experience in society. Duration 1 hour 25