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Men are the breadwinners. Women belong in the kitchen. Men go to work. Women watch the children. Men are the heads of households. Women are the housekeepers. These are age-old stereotypes that belong in the 1950s, yet they still exist in society today.

Gender roles are common and well-integrated into American society, though they have become less-stressed over time. They are often accepted and considered the social "norm."

"I believe (society) is slowly changing," clinical psychologist Kathy Blohm said. "(But) it's not where it should be."

Passing from generation to generation, stereotypes manifest themselves in the minds of all individuals, even if people are not aware of their influence. Interactions, especially through the adolescent years, with people, the media, and the entertainment industry, send the message of what is accepted and expected in society.

"We develop very narrow ways of thinking," said Theresa Felderman, Bismarck State College associate professor of psychology. "Then we focus on examples of those stereotypes where they hold true and ignore the ones that don't."

Males are classically stereotyped as tough guys and football players. These stereotypes are especially prevalent in high school. With their "show no emotion" attitudes, guys are prized as being the breadwinners and the backbones of communities.

"The roles of men in society are glorified," junior Forrest Allen said.

Adolescence is a time when individuals are striving to fit in and be accepted, and females are especially susceptible to conformity. With their desire to belong and their attraction to relationships, they find themselves deeply influenced by what society tells them is acceptable.

"I think some (girls) are a little insecure," junior Kelli Kleppe said. "They feel more comfortable with friends."

While many people think stereotypes are a thing of the past, they still exist, even if it is subconsciously. People adhere to gender roles less strictly than in previous years, but they still do it in a multitude of ways.

"(Stereotypical thinking) shows almost all the time, the way you talk ... people think it's OK if they say it in a joking way," Felderman said.

Society has come a long way from men "bringing home the bacon" and women frying it up. The workforce, which use to be dominated by testosterone, is now becoming a place of equal opportunity for both genders.

"Men always use to be the ones in control and I think they still want to be," Kleppe said. "But there are women that are more controlling and know how to stand up for themselves."

It's through exposure to new experiences and education that stereotypes are broken down. People must acquaint themselves with unfamiliar people, cultures, and points of view to create more balanced perceptions.

"We ought to challenge ourselves every day," Felderman said. "Are we thinking that because it's actually true? You have to challenge yourself to do that or it leads to prejudice."

Society has given roles to both genders. Blohm believes it's time to break these gender barriers. Blend blue and pink, make a little purple. Break down the walls of conformity and stereotypes.

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TONYA BAUER and CARRIE SANDSTROM, Bismarck Century Star

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Men are the breadwinners. Women belong in the kitchen. Men go to work. Women watch the children. Men are the heads of households. Women are the housekeepers. These are age-old stereotypes that belong in the 1950s, yet they still exist in society today.

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kids infoBits

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scholastic

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