"Gender stereotypes exist - like it or not"

I was reading an article of June 2016 by Adrian Furnham. The author gives women advices about how they should deal with gender stereotypes. I thought you might be interested because this is a hot topic at the moment.

Essentially what it says is that success at work is often associated with male characteristics. Therefore, when women show these behaviours they are often seen as tough and disagreeable.

The author mentions that studies show that if women negotiate on behalf of their family, clients or team members – they will not be met with sexist responds. To be empathic and helpful on behalf of others is seen as careful: qualities which are mostly associated with women. According to Catherine Tinsley, an expert on gender issues said that women should change the way they manage so that they work towards the advantage of the whole social group and to be seen as a team member.

Furthermore, they should repeatedly say that they are negotiating on behalf of all members, as well as using their work position as a reason for authority rather than their personality or gender.

From my point of view, women should be aware of the fact that there are and there always will be gender stereotypes about them. What they can do is face these stereotypes and tear them down from the ground up.

For that reason, Tinsley’s advice is to be pragmatic and factual.

What do you think about gender stereotypes?


(Taken from „Business Spotlight“)