It's the 20th century, why do we still hold stereotypes towards women?
Even after years of battling for recognition and carving out an independent identity, we as women continue to be confined by stereotypes. Ever heard someone say, “Women aren’t good with technology”? Or how teaching and nursing are deemed “ideal” professions for women, while pursuing science or engineering invites skepticism? These notions aren’t just casual remarks; they stem from deeply ingrained social conditioning that dictates what women should or should not be capable of. But why does this bias persist?
Stereotyping- what's the science behind it?
Stereotypes are cognitive shortcuts—preconceived notions that categorize people based on shared attributes, often oversimplifying individuality. Psychologists suggest several reasons why humans develop and hold onto stereotypes:
- Cognitive Miser Theory (Fiske & Taylor, 1991) – Our brains tend to minimize cognitive effort by quickly categorizing information. Instead of assessing each individual on their abilities, we rely on generalized notions—such as assuming women lack technical skills—to conserve mental resources.
- Social Identity Theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) – People derive a sense of self from their group memberships. Society has long constructed gender-based roles, reinforcing the idea that men belong in STEM fields while women thrive in caregiving roles. Such classifications help individuals establish a sense of belonging but also fuel bias.
- Confirmation Bias (Nickerson, 1998) – Once we hold a belief, we actively seek information that supports it while ignoring contradictory evidence. If one sees a female struggling with technology, it reinforces the stereotype, whereas a successful female scientist is often viewed as an “exception” rather than the norm.
While stereotypes simplify our thought processes, they also limit potential. The only way to break free from them is through conscious awareness and active change. Encouraging diverse role models, challenging gender norms from an early age, and fostering inclusive spaces can help dismantle these rigid perceptions.
Conclusion
Women in Indian society have long proved their capabilities across all fields—from Dr. Tessy Thomas, India’s “Missile Woman” who played a key role in Agni missile development, to Kalpana Chawla’s space explorations. It’s time we stop defining competence through gender and start acknowledging individual potential. Breaking stereotypes isn’t just about redefining women’s roles—it’s about reshaping society’s mindset altogether.
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