Title: Gender Studies
Headings: Gender Studies
Gender Studies
Defying Gender Roles
Breaking the Binary
Challenges of Defying the Binary
Gender Stereotypes and Oppression
Gender Studies as a Tool
References
About Shubha Arvind

Content: Each gender is expected to adhere to societal expectations placed on them based on their gender right from a young age. Despite the gradual relaxation of the roles, most people are expected to conform to gender roles established by their respective societies. These roles influence stereotypes which are upheld by society. A man is expected to be emotionally and physically strong, aggressive, loud and dominant. A woman, on the other hand, is expected to be emotional, caring, chaste and submissive. These roles are reinforced right from childhood which conditions men and women to adhere to these stereotypes. These stereotypes are influenced by other factors such as race, class, and caste, as these can influence the power differences between a man and a woman. Dor example looking at the Indian context a Savarna woman is considered to have more power than a Dalit man. However, a Dalit woman faces a combination of caste as well as gender oppression. Gender roles are also seen as a means of expression where the stereotypes and roles help affirm their gender.