"A gender role, also known as a sex role, is a social role encompassing a range of behaviors and attitudes that are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on that person's sex."
The societal expectations of gender roles and how feminist literature challenges and subverts them.
Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property.
Sexism: Discrimination or prejudice based on a person's sex or gender.
Gender identity: A person's internal sense of self, as male, female, neither or both.
Gender expression: An individual's expression of their gender identity, including behavior, dress, and personal characteristics.
Feminism: A social, political and cultural movement advocating for gender equality and the promotion of the rights of women.
Masculinity: A set of attributes, behaviors, and roles associated with men and boys.
Toxic masculinity: A term describing harmful aspects of traditional masculinity, such as aggression, dominance, and emotional repression.
Intersectionality: The interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, gender, class, and sexuality, which creates unique experiences of oppression and privilege.
Homophobia: Irrational fear, negative attitudes, or discrimination toward people who identify as LGBTQ+.
Heteronormativity: The assumption that one's gender identity and sexual orientation are congruent with that assigned at birth.
Transphobia: Irrational fear, negative attitudes, or discrimination toward people who identify as transgender or gender non-conforming.
Body image: An individual's perception and feelings about their body and appearance.
Objectification: The treatment of a person as an object to be used for another's pleasure, often involving physical appearance or sexual appeal.
Sexual harassment: Unwanted sexual advances or behavior that creates an uncomfortable or hostile work environment.
Double standards: Different rules or expectations for men and women based on societal gender roles and expectations.
Gender-based violence: Violence or abuse based on someone's gender, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse.
Male privilege: Unearned advantages that men are afforded in society simply because of their gender.
Intersectional feminism: A feminist approach that recognizes and addresses the unique experiences of individuals who are marginalized in multiple ways.
Queer theory: A theoretical approach to gender and sexuality that challenges traditional binary concepts and norms.
Reproductive rights: The right to control one's own reproductive health, including access to contraception and safe and legal abortion.
Traditional Gender Roles: The notion that women are supposed to be caregivers, homemakers, and nurturers, while men are supposed to be providers, breadwinners and protectors.
Gender stereotypes in the workplace: The idea that men are better at technical and leadership roles, while women are better suited to support roles such as administrative assistants or secretaries.
Sexual stereotyping: The idea that men are expected to be strong and aggressive, while women are expected to be passive and submissive.
Body image stereotypes: Women are expected to have curvy and slender body types, while men are expected to have muscular and toned bodies.
Parenting stereotypes: The idea that women are better caregivers and nurturing parents while men are responsible for discipline and financial support.
Transgender stereotypes: The notion that trans individuals are seen as confused or are viewed as deviants.
Stereotypes around Domestic Violence: Women are often stereotyped as the primary victims of domestic violence while men are stereotyped as perpetrators of violence.
Stereotypes around Mental Health: The idea that women are more susceptible to mental health issues and mood disorders such as PMS, and men are perceived as being more stable and rational.
Racial stereotypes: The notion that people of different races have different inherent gender roles.
"Gender roles are usually centered on conceptions of masculinity and femininity."
"Although there are exceptions and variations."
"The specifics regarding these gendered expectations may vary among cultures."
"Gender roles influence a wide range of human behavior."
"Gender roles influence... the clothing a person chooses to wear, the profession a person pursues, the manner of approach to things, the personal relationships a person enters, and how they behave within those relationships."
"Although gender roles have evolved and expanded, they traditionally keep women in the 'private' sphere, and men in the 'public' sphere."
"Various groups, most notably feminist movements, have led efforts to change aspects of prevailing gender roles."
"They believe [gender roles] are oppressive, inaccurate, and sexist."
"Gender roles (and perceived gender roles) vary based on a person's race or ethnicity."
"Behaviors and attitudes that are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on that person's sex."
"Gender roles are usually centered on conceptions of masculinity and femininity."
"Gender roles... are generally considered acceptable, appropriate, or desirable for a person based on that person's sex."
"Gender roles influence... the clothing a person chooses to wear."
"Gender roles influence... the profession a person pursues."
"Although gender roles have evolved and expanded, they traditionally keep women in the 'private' sphere."
"Although gender roles have evolved and expanded, they traditionally keep men in the 'public' sphere."
"Various groups, most notably feminist movements, have led efforts to change aspects of prevailing gender roles."
"They believe [gender roles] are oppressive, inaccurate, and sexist."
"The specifics regarding these gendered expectations may vary among cultures."