Gender stereotypes 'begin in childhood' | ITV News

Summary

The video highlights the gender gap in career aspirations, showing that even at a young age, children tend to associate certain professions with specific genders. Research reveals that boys are more likely to choose roles in the military and firefighting, while girls often aspire to teaching or nursing. Despite girls outnumbering boys in university, men still tend to achieve higher academic success. The video stresses the importance of building confidence in girls, challenging traditional gender stereotypes, and encouraging young women to pursue diverse career paths, inspired by role models in sports and other fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 Children as young as seven are already influenced by gender stereotypes, with boys being more likely to aspire to 'important' jobs like soldiers or scientists, and girls tending to lean towards careers like teaching or hairdressing.
• 😀 Research reveals that when children are asked to draw figures like firefighters, surgeons, or fighter pilots, 92% of them draw these figures as men, reflecting deep-rooted gender biases.
• 😀 Author Catherine Randall believes that girls are internalizing limiting messages, stemming from cultural expectations that shape their future career aspirations.
• 😀 In the past, gender roles were strictly defined, with boys encouraged to conquer the world and girls expected to stay in the background, a sentiment found in children's literature and societal norms.
• 😀 Despite women outnumbering men at British universities, they are still less likely to leave with first-class degrees, pointing to a gap in confidence and resilience rather than academic ability.
• 😀 Programs at all-female colleges are being created to address these gaps in confidence and self-belief among young women, focusing on empowerment beyond academic success.
• 😀 Women are still struggling with societal expectations, as media portrayals reinforce certain stereotypes that influence behavior and career choices.
• 😀 The women's England cricket team serves as a role model by challenging traditional gender expectations, demonstrating that women can excel in competitive, traditionally male-dominated sports.
• 😀 Role models in various fields, including sports, give young children the opportunity to look up to strong female figures, which is crucial for challenging stereotypes.
• 😀 While women have made significant progress since gaining the vote, there is still work to be done to encourage girls to pursue careers and goals that are not confined by gender stereotypes.

Q & A

What does the new research suggest about children's perceptions of gender roles?

The research shows that children as young as seven are already internalizing gender stereotypes, with boys more likely to aspire to careers in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as the military and firefighting, while girls often lean towards careers like teaching, hairdressing, and modeling.

What careers do boys and girls tend to choose when asked to draw what they want to be when they grow up?

Boys tend to choose careers in the military, fire service, and science, while girls more often choose professions such as teaching, hairdressing, and healthcare.

What percentage of children drew firefighters, surgeons, and fighter pilots as men?

92% of the children drew these professions as being male, despite the fact that women can also occupy these roles.

How does Catherine Randall believe gender expectations impact girls' career choices?

Catherine Randall argues that girls are raised in a world that restricts their potential by limiting their career options to roles that are traditionally considered female, such as caretaking, while boys are encouraged to take on more ambitious, leadership-driven roles.

What does Dame Carol Black highlight about women’s academic achievements?

Dame Carol Black points out that while women now outnumber men at British universities and often achieve high grades, they still tend to leave with fewer first-class degrees compared to their male counterparts. She emphasizes the importance of confidence and resilience in academic and professional success.

What does Newnham College’s program focus on regarding women’s education?

Newnham College runs programs to empower women, addressing not just academic competence but also boosting women's confidence and resilience, as many students feel less confident in group discussions or leadership positions despite their academic achievements.

What concern do women at Newnham College express about their academic experiences?

Women at Newnham College have expressed concerns about their confidence, noting that although they are academically capable, they are often more reticent in group discussions and may lack the same level of self-assurance as their male peers.

How have women’s sports challenged gender stereotypes?

Women’s sports, such as the women's England cricket team’s World Cup victory, have helped challenge traditional gender expectations by providing role models and showing that women can excel in areas traditionally dominated by men.

What role do media stereotypes play in shaping girls' ambitions?

The media often portrays women in stereotypical roles, which can influence girls’ perceptions of what they can or should achieve. These stereotypes can limit their aspirations and contribute to the internalization of traditional gender roles.

What does Penny Marshall believe needs to change for girls' future opportunities?

Penny Marshall believes that while progress has been made in many areas, girls could achieve even more if they were encouraged to look beyond gender stereotypes and pursue a wider range of careers and roles in society.