Stereotypes set the tone for how young boys and girls should act, carrying over outdated expectations into adulthood. The consequences of these implicit “rules” —which have been embedded into societal norms for centuries— become present in almost all stages of life. Women have made a great deal of progress in the past century, working to overcome traditional roles. In response to this shift, the role of men within the household is changing as more women pursue careers outside of the home. Many men are now in conflict with how they are to interact with women and how men should contribute to society as a whole. In short, parents have an outsized influence on gender norms, social media further implements such standards, all of which carry over into adult careers creating sexist standards for men to fulfill.

Starting at a young age, children begin to recognize how they are supposed to behave according to their gender. Little girls are typically given dolls, princess dresses, and play kitchen appliances while boys are given action figures, nerf guns, and construction toys. Parents tend to not recognize how handing their children these simple toys can set the tone for gender stereotypes which carry into adulthood. If young boys are taught they shouldn’t play with kitchen ware, then they are less likely to help with cooking and chores as they grow older. If young boys are instructed to not play with dolls, but instead Nerf guns, they will inhabit more violent practices. According to Eva Pemberton from Birmingham City University, “Research (performed by the Fawcett Society) shows that children’s attitudes towards gender are fully formed by the age of seven. From an early age, they latch onto stereotypes as a way to categorise and make sense of the world.” With this, parents are usually not intentionally trying to enforce damaging gender roles, they are simply parenting the same way they were parented as children and the same way the majority of society seems to be doing. However, that does not mean change is impossible. If parents across the globe become more mindful of the toys they hand their offspring and how they may unintentionally influence their child to behave according to whether the child is a boy or girl, this could help reduce the conflict men face later on in life involving how gender stereotypes may pressure a man to pick a certain career.

Moving into adolescence, the majority of teenagers have access to social media. The algorithms on these apps feed one’s interests and share content related to what a friend liked. This form of entertainment does not usually spread beneficial information. As stated by Stephanie Diepeveen, who is a research associate in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Cambridge: “Online interactions among friends or peer groups often lead boys to share content they perceive to be aligned with group expectations. Some studies have found peer group pressure leads boys to sharing specific views of masculinity, such as views associated with risk-taking, physical appearance and virility.” This research shows how social media can be detrimental for young men and gives motivating reasons for why parents should not allow their children to have constant social media access.

Eventually, these teens grow into adults and it is time to pick a career and consider settling down with a partner. Gender stereotypes come back into play when pursuing a career and dating. Men working in female dominated fields such as health care, social assistance, and education can likely feel out of place or unworthy due to the gender norm for men to not take on such roles. In terms of dating, men experience similar confusion, questioning how they are to act. Rachel Drucker wrote an article for the New York Times named: “Men, Where Have You Gone? Please Come Back.” In response, Daniel Jones published a series of responses to her piece written by men all over the world. Jonathan Stowe from Charlottesville, Virginia said the following: “Emotional openness in men is encouraged in theory but penalized in practice. And the risk of being misjudged, misquoted or shamed online makes genuine vulnerability feel dangerous. Many of us want connection, but not at the cost of constant anxiety about saying or doing the wrong thing.” Stowe’s expression of fearing being judged when showing emotional vulnerability relates to how men feel in female dominated careers. Ultimately, these expectations implemented in adulthood relate back to a parent’s influence. If the parents of today can steadily avoid teaching their children to chase certain careers, or act a certain way based on their gender, these stereotypes can be prevented from erupting in adult years.

In conclusion, gender expectations are the result of thousands of years of traditions which have developed into a mix of what is considered to be “right” in today’s world. The key to changing gender biases ultimately starts in the home. Gender norms influence children at a young age and continue to cause problems in adulthood. Parents have a major role in showing their child what is expected of them, and if parents are willing to be more aware of how they partake in carrying forward gender expectations, change is sure to happen. Whether a nurse is a man or woman, they are working to provide care for others. Whether a teacher is a man or woman, they are working to educate others. Understanding men and women can both work to accomplish the same goals is crucial when abolishing gender stereotypes and granting both men and women unlimited opportunity.