There are many gender stereotypes that have got passed down to next generations and continue to create an imbalance in the society. For those who wish to live in an egalitarian society, parents must focus on breaking the gender stereotypes and raise their children equally. However, a lot of parents continue to believe that boys and girls should model a stereotypical behaviour. From discouraging boys to cry and express their feelings to promoting girls to always sit on the passenger seat, it's high time parents avoid promoting certain gender stereotypes in their children.
Some of the common gender stereotypes that continue to be promoted are listed below. Take a look.
Boys shouldn’t not express their feelings whereas it’s okay if a girl does that
Parents who chide their sons for crying like a girl should pause and reflect. They must ask themselves the correlation between masculinity and expressing one’s emotions. Often, parents validate the feelings of a girl who cries, but mock boys for expressing their feelings. Remarks like ‘Why are you crying like a sissy?’, ‘Stop being a girl’ - all these comments can take a toll on the mental health of a child without them even realising it.
Also read: Sonam Kapoor Talks About Accepting Changes In Her Body Post Delivery; Here’s How You Can Do It Too
Boys should be breadwinners whereas girls shouldn’t dream too big
To live in an egalitarian world, parents need to encourage both girls and boys to dream big and become financially independent. The stereotypical notion that boys should harbour dreams and make it big in their career, whereas a girl must develop nurturing qualities and be a decent homemaker is a bit too cliche.
Boys should take science or commerce whereas girls should take up arts
A lot of parents tend to view science and commerce as relevant fields to make one’s career in and they look at the art stream with a little bit of disdain. This is why most parents encourage boys to make their career in either commerce or science fields and ask girls to take up arts, because they find it easy.
Also read: 5 Old School Parenting Trends That Should Make A Comeback
Girls should be on passenger seat whereas boys should learn to drive early
A lot of parents and people show skepticism when they see a girl on the driving seat. The thought process is like girls have poor road sense. It’s infuriating indeed and when the boys are encouraged to drive early on, it takes a direct toll on the confidence of girls.
Girls can’t move out house for career whereas it’s okay if a boy does
When it comes to moving to a new city to build a career, a girl is always discouraged and told to rather focus on grooming herself and learning household responsibilities. However, a boy is given a push to do whatever it takes to make something out of themselves and become an earning member.
