Introduction
A considerable deal of advancement has been achieved towards gender equality over the last few decades. Despite the substantial progress, the decrease in gender discrimination over the previous few years is only experienced and enjoyed in the workplace, leaving other areas of interaction exposed. It is as well clear that the full objective of attaining complete gender equality is yet to be accomplished, especially in job position levels and in salaries and wages (Durante, Federica, et al. 673). Stereotypes, especially those related to gender, are usually adopted by both men and women, which allows us to concentrate on how other people perceive women and men. They also allow us to focus on how other people around us see themselves with reverence to the stereotype in question.
Differences that exist between men and women can be attributed as the primary source of some of the typical stereotypes towards women. Among all of them, the stereotype that views women as caregivers has existed for a very long time, as early as man existed. Over time, the belief that women are natural caregivers and were born to take care of others has faced several criticisms. Some men have proved to be more caring than women which questions the truthfulness and existence of this stereotype.
Origin of the Stereotype
Throughout history, women have continued to occupy the primary caregiver role in their families. Women often act as the sole and immediate caretakers to their children, spouses as well as their old and ailing family members. They direct the family's home solutions, domestic chores, identify diseases and problems and may as well summon professional assistance when required. As a result of the critical role that they assume in the family, the majority of women solely influence crucial decisions of the family. Since women are believed to be caring and kind than men, the strong stereotype that perceives individuals of the female gender as caretakers have continued to exist in both ancient and modern societies.
Stereotypes are a direct reflection of the overall expectations regarding individuals who belong to a particular group or team. The stereotypical expectation that a specific characteristic defines the membership of any specific category makes people overemphasize group differences as well as underestimating the possible variations (Koenig and Eagly 210). Women are expected to be kind and caring ever since the creation stories from the Bible. Traditional societies which had no western civilization also believed that women are meant to care for the family and the community at large.
Consequently, the loving and selfless nature of women and their corresponding concern for loved ones has existed ever since the origin of man. They sacrifice more than men for the wellbeing of those closest to them, which leads them to perform duties and activities that benefit their children or spouses. The love and concern that women have for people around them make individuals believe that giving care is part of being a woman. This belief creates and cements the idea into people's minds, and the stereotype continues to persist, without considering its impacts on women.
How it Plays in the Society
Deep-rooted beliefs and stereotypes assert that men are material providers, while women are defined as caregivers and homemakers. These stereotypes and ancient beliefs are real and exist in our societies, with women around the globe spending majority of their time in care work. For instance, when a family member falls ill or acquires some sort of disability, the typical procedure is that the primary caretaker must be one of the female members of the family. The majority of societies all over the world have adopted the attitude that female family members should take charge of care duties to children as well as old and ill members of the family (Spears and Kuppens 1652). Since women tend to be kind and selfless, they most of the times find themselves bringing the burgage of taking care of either old or ill family members. Frequent visits and check-ins to the sick or the elderly will gradually get into them and start viewing you as an essential feature of their lives. Over time, through continued care for people around them, women as well continue to allow the persistence of the stereotype.
In most cases that involve family care, the majority of family caretakers are of the female gender. Caregiving in the family set up is the unpaid care work offered y friends or family to functionally or chronically ill individuals. The quantity of care work or assistance given by free family caretakers regularly surpasses the amount of care work done under normal circumstances. All around the world, women, who are the dominant providers of family care suffer from chronic health conditions or physical incapacities as a result.
Why the Stereotype is Untrue
All gender stereotypes are a direct reflection of the critical importance we ascribe to the performance of tasks when perceiving men and social attachments when evaluating women. Performance and assertiveness are viewed as signs of high agency in the male gender while care and warmth for loved ones are seen as indicators of great kindness in women. Stereotypes directed to women, especially that views them as caregivers are mostly associated with their expected gender roles (Spears and Kuppens). Biologically, women are similar to men, and there is no single part of the human body that can tell if a person is caring and kind or not. Nevertheless, this does not stop the belief that women are selfless individuals who take care of others whenever in need. Stereotypes and negative beliefs against women are generally ideas or ideologies or beliefs that have been practised or experienced over a long period.
Impacts of the Stereotype
The position of caretakers, mostly held by women, often results in gender inequalities, with women getting fewer chances to achieve their livelihoods as compared to their male colleagues. Additionally, women from less developed and poor communities suffer the most as compared to the ones that reside in developed regions (Banaji and Greenwald 110). Despite stereotypes being mental ideas about a specific group of individuals, they as well as considerable consequences. Women being perceived as caretakers has brought about several effects to them.
Starting in the early stages, domestic chores and responsibilities that are meant to take care of the family can negatively affect a girl's education. These domestic responsibilities and caregiving duties result in young women receiving lesser time to socialize, network and study with their peers (Koenig and Eagly 215). On the other hand, boys can devote all the time they can to education while the majority of girls juggle between classwork and domestic duties back at home. The fatigue that results from numerous chores around the house does not allow girls to understand the various educational concepts being taught clearly. Their academic progress is hindered, and if not, the majority of girls never live up to their academic dreams. In the worst situations, although rare, young women who are needed to do routine caregiving duties and chores in the household have no option but to quit the education system entirely.
Caregiving duties have also contributed to financial struggles to women since they are unpaid. Women who cannot hold typical jobs because of their roles as free caregivers face financial problems and often depends on men in the family to earn and finance the household. This situation adds to the idea that that females are second-class individuals and the gender inequality gap continues to widen. The unpaid nature of family caretaking roles leaves women vulnerable financially leaving men to finance them, which extends their dominance.
The mental health of family caregivers in adversely affected by their roles. Caretakers in the family often record higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, among other psychological conditions that come with providing care to the old or sick. Since being a caretaker is exhausting, the majority of caretakers are always burdened by these activities, which negatively affects their mental states.
Why the Stereotype Persists
Since stereotypes are ideologies planted in the minds of others, they have to exist for an extended period for them to gain popularity. The stereotype that views women as caretakers have lived for a very long time and the reason for its persistence is the continued existence of gender differences (Koenig and Eagly 217). Differences in gender result in varying gender roles for both women and men, and these social expectations allow the stereotype to persist. Stories that portray women as the kind and soft gender will never cease to exist, and this will continue to teach future generations the same practices. Women have continued to assume roles of giving care in the family, and this has fully supported the prevalence of the stereotype.
Socialization can as well be attributed as a significant contributor to the prevalence of this stereotype. When young women are brought up in families where women assume all the caregiving roles, there is a higher possibility that will as well do so in future (Spears and Kuppens 1660). Young girls are also inspired by the actions of other female family members around them who offer family care and end up being the same when they mature.
Conclusion
The stereotype that view women as caretakers, like the majority of them, is untrue and this attitude has continued to exploit women around the world. Women hold the majority of caregiver roles in families with members who are either old or chronically ill. The origin of the belief that women are caretakers can be attributed to the loving and selfless nature of women. They always want to assist people around them which has grown over the years to seem like their designated responsibility. The stereotype has continued to cause problems to women and girls. The academic progress of young women hindered since obligations often occupy them with many caregivers struggling financially. The stereotype has continued to exist because both gender responsibilities and roles have not changed. Women who assume caretaker roles in the family must be empowered and appreciated to maintain their mental wellness, boost their morale and support them.
