How might gendered stereotypes contribute to more subtle forms of discrimination practiced in organizations today? Explain two stereotypes each for women and for men. Provide an example of how they might be enacted in organizational life. How does each of these limit opportunities?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

ANS: Students should explain and provide organizational examples for two of each of the following. Examples may vary, but should provide a concrete illustration of the stereotype to illustrate the student’s understanding.

Gendered stereotypes—women:

Sex Object—defines women in terms of their sex or sexuality, including judgments of women workers based on their appearance and/or actions. This may limit opportunities for women because they are viewed in terms of appearance over accomplishments. It also contributes to sexual harassment.
Mother—this stereotype may be applied literally or figuratively. Figuratively, women may be expected to prepare food, listen, help, and support others. Literally, women may be perceived as not “serious” professionals because they are expected to be preoccupied with children. This may limit women if employers restrict their opportunities for experience and promotions based upon the idea that work needed for professional accomplishments and motherhood are incompatible.
Child—reflects a view of women as less mature, competent, and capable than adults. Often takes the form of trying to “protect” women from dangerous or challenging jobs, which often are of higher prestige and higher pay and thereby limits women’s opportunities.
Iron Maiden—derogatory view of a woman as independent, ambitious, competitive, and sometimes tough. Although these behaviors are celebrated in men, they may be perceived as unfeminine. These limit women by restricting assertive behaviors that often are rewarded in the workplace and by providing contradictory expectations for women to be not too unfeminine, but not act “too much like women.”

Gendered stereotypes—men:

Sturdy Oak—defines men as completely self-reliant. As such, a man should never admit doubt, weakness, or ask for help from others. This may restrict men by reducing their abilities to collaborate or ask for assistance.
Fighter—the stereotype of a man as a “brave warrior” who goes into battle, figuratively or literally. Men are expected to be fully committed to work life, ruthless in business dealings, and competitive. This may limit men through expectations that their work life is more important than personal and family matters.
Breadwinner—one of the strongest stereotypes for men in U.S. society. Men are expected to be able to provide the sole or highest income to support family. With today’s common corporate practice of layoffs, frequently cited need for two-income families, and women’s ability to earn higher amounts than their husbands; this unrealistic belief may lower men’s feelings of self-worth by tying identity to earning power.