There are several misconceptions about women that stem from a lack of understanding. These views are old and generally arise from tales and possibly stereotypes.
For instance, there’s a common belief that women are not capable of leadership roles. They are considered emotional, irrational, weak, and unambitious. It’s also said that they are more prone to gossip and uninterested in sex.
A lot has changed over time, but some of these views persist. These perceptions can impact women’s self-esteem, career opportunities, and personal interactions.
Today is International Women’s Day (IWD). This article tries to balance some perceptions about women in celebration of IWM.
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Misconceptions about Women
1. Women Are Incapable of Leadership Roles
This notion can be traced to a lack of active participation in public office since ancient times. For example, from the Roman Empire to Greek civilization, there’s hardly any mention of women in administration. One might say there was Cleopatra or Queen Sheba, but these were uncommon instances.
In recent years, more women have led nations and corporations. So far, women have governed 61 countries besides being interim rulers. Presently, there are 11 women heading governments in different countries.
Though there are fewer women in leadership positions, they are and can be capable of effective leadership.
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2. Women are Emotional and Less Rational
Women are considered overly emotional, and this can impact their personal and professional lives. Traditional gender roles and how women are portrayed in literature might have contributed to this view. Women are often expected to focus on relationships and emotions over logic.
But there are biological components to this view. For example, hormonal changes in pregnancy and menopause can impact women’s emotions. Some studies suggest that brain functions like high amygdala activation impact emotional experiences.
Evolution might have increased emotional sensitivity in women. However, it’s still a result of personality and nurture.
3. Women Are Not Physically Strong
It’s mostly said that women are weak, but strength is demonstrated in many ways. Though women have less muscle mass and distribution, they have high levels of endurance in certain activities. For example, their bodies can withstand the physical demands of pregnancy and childbirth.
Emotionally, women are strong, more empathetic, and compassionate. They are also mentally alert and can juggle many tasks and responsibilities at the same time. That’s because their brains are wired to handle complex situations and problem-solve aptly.
4. Women are not good at STEM Subjects
This is because of the low representation of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). They make up 29.2% of the STEM workforce, compared to about 50% of non-STEM roles. It could be because of the need for more female role models in these fields.
Also, societal expectations and gender norms might influence the participation of women in STEM. And this will result in girls not being encouraged in these subjects from a young age. However, in recent years, more females have entered STEM fields.
5. Women Are More Likely to Gossip and Engage in Drama
Many women are called drama queens because of this belief. Social norms might have influenced this because of communication styles and women’s need for social bonding.
Also, the notion of gossip and drama has evolved and been perceived in different ways throughout history. For instance, it was a form of entertainment in ancient Egypt.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, gossip was common in royal courts. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was the norm among the upper class, and it led to the rise of tabloid journalism.
Since the 20th century, gossip has evolved, and the media has played a role in portraying women through gossip and drama.
6. Women Are Not Ambitious or Driven
Certain norms and expectations may be responsible for this misconception about women. Society often expects women to be less ambitious and assertive, and they can face backlash for being determined.
Similarly, the challenges of balancing work and family obligations can affect their ambitions. Also, unfair pay gaps, a lack of opportunities for advancement, and hostile environments can limit women’s ambition.
Some women doubt their capabilities and are more cautious. Meanwhile, ambitions often require taking risks. Still, many women have an ambitious mindset and have made great strides in their fields.
7. Women Are Less Interested in Sex
Women are considered less sensual, but individual differences affect sexuality. Biological attributes like hormonal changes can make a woman have a lower sexual drive. These include fluctuations in progesterone levels and declining estrogen during menopause.
Also, religious beliefs and negative experiences like sexual drama can impact sexual desires. In addition, certain contraceptives and ideals of one’s body can affect libido. Still, emotional connection greatly influences sensual attraction and drive.
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8. Women Are Unamusing
It’s a common view that women are less humorous, but humor is private, and everyone is funny in their own way. Women are expected to be polite, and this often shapes their style of humor.
In general, they make use of factual and modest humor for connecting and building relationships. This has resulted in fewer opportunities for women to showcase their funny side. However, individual differences influence humor.
9. Women Are Likely to Be Passive
Women may exhibit submissive behavior because many cultures expect them to appear timid and humble. Moreso, the media portrays them in this regard, and many religions influence it.
It could also be because of the effects of internalized misogyny. This is when women subconsciously project sexist ideas onto other women and even onto themselves. However, self-expression should be promoted for everyone.
10. Women are Focused on Their Appearance
This is because there’s pressure on women to conform to beauty standards, and they are mostly judged on their appearance. There’s a focus on women in the advertising of beauty products and also pressure to maintain appearance in the workplace.
Women do engage more in appearance-related behaviors like dieting and, as a result, are more concerned about their body image. These norms are changing, yet appearance matters because it can impact your confidence.
Celebrate the Women in your Life!
Misconceptions about women have lasted for centuries, but the good news is that things are changing, as are some of these views. Their endurance and willpower are often belittled despite their ability to nurture and lead.
We need to appreciate the strength and uniqueness of women in all aspects of life.
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