social constructs

Are women so meek that they always need a man to back them up? A persistent stereotype that has been present throughout history is the belief that women are inherently meek and require men to navigate through the daily struggles in life. This idea has deep roots in both cultural and societal norms which further strengthens this social construct. However, after analyzing quantitative data and the differences present from culture to culture, a more accurate reality for women in revealed— one where assertiveness for women is more than just something that is biologically determined, and instead, is a stereotype that has been continuously reinforced throughout society.

According to a study conducted by the Gender Action Portal at the Harvard Kennedy School, males report higher frequencies of assertive behavior than females. This result shows that “while women exhibit assertive behaviors more frequently, it doesn’t mean women are less assertive”. It just shows that women have the same abilities as men, but they are used to having to hide them. The study found that “women negotiating another person’s salary fares better than a women negotiating for themselves”, suggesting that women actively adjust their behavior according to conversational context. Women perceive the ideal female as someone who is gentle, demure, and elegant. So when assertiveness is an option for women, they most likely would not choose it as much as men, as it isn’t the what the society wouldn’t approve of. This idea of craving societal approval is a construct that defines ambiguous topics like gender norms in black and white.

Reinforcing these stereotypes that change from culture to culture, changes contrast what determines a woman. It forces women to be non-assertive, appear gentle, and etc.