gender conformity

swatiraohnlu

Swati Rao
Men and women frequently conform to certain roles and stereotypes. This, perhaps, begins with the colors blue and pink being traditionally prescribed to male and female infants respectively. It often continues with such things as make-up and lipstick for women and cut hair for men. Are such gender differences valuable in a modern culture and society?
 
Gender conformity helps reinforce attraction between men and women. Gender conformity has evolved in a way that supports and stimulates greater attraction between different sexes. Female attire, for example, often accentuates certain female features that are particularly appealing to men, such as "curves".
 
Male attire often accentuates broad-shoulders, which are an attractive feature to women seeking "strong" men. By supporting the mutual attraction between opposite sexes, gender conformity has a positive effect that benefits both straight women and men.
 
According to Eagley, Wood, and Fishbaugh (1981), women are more concerned than men about the quality of interpersonal relationships. Women take greater responsibility for establishing and maintaining interpersonal bonds, whereas men do not. Also, women are more empathetic and more accurate at decoding nonverbal communication than males. Male gender roles also claim that men should remain independent and not agree closely with others, while it is seen as acceptable for women to conform to group behaviors.
 
Back
Top