In our first class we explored the roles, stereotypes and expectations of men and women in intimate relationships. What were some of these roles and stereotypes?
Women are often perceived as submissive and the “housewife” where they’ve got to take care of the kids, do the washing and cooking. They can’t be too much of anything or will be called things like “attention-whore” or “slut”. Men will most often be the pillar of the family and are more powerful. They have to provide and be strong. When shown weakness, names such as “pussy” or “weak” will be called.
To what extent are gender roles and stereotypes prevalent in your life ?
My mom is a housewife and my dad is the only person in my family that works.
In what ways do you see Gender Bias or Gender Privilege in your family?
Since I am ethnically Chinese, even though less than the traditional family, there is still the thought of the guy being stronger. Whenever asked to help something like lifting, my brother would always be first choice even though I may be perfectly capable in helping out. Also when staying out or going out at night, my brother would be trusted over me to stay safe because of the stereotype that boys are safer outside rather than boys.
your community?
In sports, guys may be perceived as being better at it just because biologically they have an advantage and perhaps do flaunt more but I think the two gender sports each have their own standards. Guys in Singapore have to do national service while girls don’t.
your World?
Gender stereotypes throughout the world include having most presidents be male because it has been that way for the past decade or century. Women are often not in a position of power in companies or businesses and have to work double the amount just to earn the same amount of respect can easily earn by pulling off confidence.
During our final activity last week, you were given a role and asked to step forward when answer questions about self-determination, education, safety, etc. What role did you have?
I was a male politician.
Where did you finish in comparison to others ? Why?
I was near the front but I wasn’t the top because as a male, I had a lot of social advantage over females and other genders. But as a politician, I may be respected but I would always be stereotyped as evil or self-righteous and would have to be extremely cautious of everything I did as for what it looked like to the public.
In your view, what are the drivers for social mobility in society? In what instances to do gender limit that mobility?
Social mobility is becoming easier especially in the past decade or so as people are becoming more open-minded and open to giving chances to people who are capable of it but may be different. Some people might still not be open to these different people who might be transgender or bisexual or have a unorthodox job like a sex worker.
List some personal examples of either experiencing or seeing gender bias or gender privilege.
Girls are often told so much more than boys to protect yourself or to dress “better” or to cover yourself up because of what it might make people think or do. But there’s no wrong in looking good.
What can you do within your community to combat negative gender stereotypes or gender bias?
Mostly to spread awareness. The more people hear about it, the more people are comfortable with it and I feel if people are used to living in a world where being homosexual or transgender is okay then these negative stereotypes will eventually fade. Even though stereotypes won’t fade from existence but it can definitely be lessened because of human nature.