Title: Cultural Influences on Gender Roles | The Classroom
Headings: Cultural Influences on Gender Roles
Cultural Influences on Gender Roles
Employment
Family Relations
Social Behavior
Self-Awareness

Content: With these cultural labels tied to gender expectations, cultural expectations then influence how people react to each other and how they view themselves based on those labels. If the gender labels are used in a positive way, the gender bias associated with them can be lessened or even removed. In a negative sense, a self-fulfilling prophecy theory can take those gender adjectives and become the sole way people define themselves. For example, a woman who believes she is "dependent" may continue to be dependent for her entire life because she can't see past the gender label. A woman who sees herself as strong and capable may also be more inclined to strive for advancement in the workplace. If a man is labeled as being sensitive, that may affect his life choices just as much as if he is labeled as a strong man. Self-Awareness
Culture influences how men and women think about themselves within their gender role. Advertisements, movies and TV often depict the female as being promiscuous or vulnerable, a message that can influence how women view their body and their abilities. According to a study conducted by Kenyon College, around 30% of clothing that is marketed toward young girls is considered "sexualizing." These expectations for physical beauty can have an effect on self-esteem and confidence of girls and women.