https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/what-are-gender-roles-and-stereotypes

Gender roles are common social norms that dictate the way people act based on their assigned, perceived, or identified gender. Some examples from the article: "For example, girls and women are generally expected to dress in typically feminine ways and be polite, accommodating, and nurturing. Men are generally expected to be strong, aggressive, and bold."

While gender roles can be affirming in some cases, for the most part they are often harmful and regressive. People, especially women, often feel limited by expectation. Men are limited too, however, for example not being able to show emotion openly.

"'Have you eaten?' is a common greeting, similar to 'How are you?' in America. It is more of a rhetorical expression than a sincere question. A simple 'yes' or 'no' and then returning the question is best."

https://guides.lib.ku.edu/c.php?g=953495&p=6879849

While the phrase is not literally used interchangeably with something like "how are you," it is a common thing to ask just to check up on someone or to reach out to them as a friend or family member. I feel like this is a societal norm I like and that positively impacts me and others because it's small but it shows care in some way.

The social norm I selected is the idea that women are expected to be "civilized" and "peaceful" in their conduct.

I selected the quote: "[T]his [norm] creates a double bind where polite nurturing women are considered too soft for the cut and thrust of seniority, but assertive women are judged as too aggressive — damned if you do, damned if you don’t."

This quote demonstrates that this social norm impacts me negatively because it stifles me in situations where I would need to play a leadership role or assert myself. For example, as someone in training to become a teacher – which of course puts me in a leadership position over my students – if I am "civil" and "peaceful" as expected of me, my authority is more likely to be undermined and disrespected by rowdy or uncaring students. On the other hand, if I am assertive and discipline my students appropriately, I am more likely to be villainized and painted as "bitchy" or "mean".