Gender Roles and Mental Health

Have you ever been pigeonholed into a certain activity? These societal expectations, often deeply ingrained, can lead to significant mental health challenges for individuals who feel confined or pressured to conform. In this article, we’ll discover the relationship between gender roles and mental health.

What is a gender role? 

Gender roles are societal expectations about how people should behave based on their perceived gender. These expectations include:  how they should dress, express emotions, choose careers, and interact with others.

What is the history behind gender roles?

Gender roles have evolved throughout history and have been shaped by factors such as economic conditions and social movements. Note that jobs impact our view of the world and affect certain stereotypes. Here are some key periods and their influence on gender roles:

• The Agricultural Revolution led to a settled lifestyle. Men often became responsible for plowing fields and raising livestock, while women continued domestic tasks and agricultural work closer to home.

• The Industrial Revolution led to a shift in gender roles. Men increasingly worked outside the home in factories and mines, while women were often relegated to domestic roles or low-paying factory jobs.

• The 20th Century and Beyond witnessed significant social and political changes that challenged traditional gender roles. Feminist movements, and changing economic conditions led to greater opportunities for women in employment and political participation. 

However, traditional gender roles persist in many societies, leading to ongoing debates and struggles for gender equality.

Here are some traditional gender roles expected from men and women:

A Project of English 483 Students, Coastal Carolina University

Some toxic behaviors gender roles influenced: 

• Sexism: It is prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination. It is the belief that one sex is superior to the other. It can affect anyone but primarily affects women and girls. 

• Hypermasculinity refers to an exaggeration of traditional masculine stereotypes, often involving the glorification of violence, aggression, insensitivity, physical imposing, demand, and the suppression of emotions. 

• Hyperfemininity refers to an extra emphasis on pretty physical appearance, passivity, softness, gracefulness, nurturing, acceptance, emotional dependence, and a focus on pleasing others

How does it affect our mental health?

1. Stress and Anxiety: men may feel pressured to suppress emotions, while women may feel pressure to excel in both career and domestic responsibilities.

2. Depression: The inability to meet rigid expectations can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem, increasing the risk of depression.

3. Eating Disorders: Gender roles often promote unrealistic body image standards, particularly for women. This leads to eating disorders to meet the perfect body standard.

How can we fight gender roles?

Practice Self-Reflection and Challenge Internalized Gender Roles: It all starts from an individual so examine your beliefs and behaviors related to gender roles where you may be perpetuating or internalizing gender stereotypes.

Point it out when you see it: Be the person who encourages others to stop supporting bad ideas, whether they are online memes, films, or casual conversations. We should put an end to sexism and general stereotyping.

In conclusion, gender roles can significantly impact mental health by creating undue stress, limiting self-expression, and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. By challenging these norms and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society, we can improve the mental well-being of individuals. Remember to be yourself!

“I am not an angel," I asserted; "and I will not be one till I die: I will be myself.”

― Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Reference list 

Planned Parenthood. (2024). What Are Gender Roles and Stereotypes? [online] Available at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/gender-identity/sex-gender-identity/what-are-gender-roles-and-stereotypes.

Merouani, Y. and Perrin, F. (2022). Gender and the long-run development process. A survey of the literature. European Review of Economic History, 26(4), pp.612–641. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/ereh/heac008.

Boyle, J. (2016). Theory in a Digital Age: Feminism and the Destruction of Gender Roles. [online] Theory in a Digital Age: A Project of English 483 Students, Coastal Carolina University. Available at: https://scalar.usc.edu/works/index-2/feminism-and-the-destruction-of-gender-roles.

BetterHelp Editorial Team (2024). The Impact Of Gender Roles On Mental Health | BetterHelp. [online] Betterhelp.com. Available at: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/stereotypes/the-impact-of-gender-roles-on-mental-health/.