Power or No Power Creates Stereotypes, Not Nature
 
 
Sometimes we hang onto stereotypes and they act like anchors, sinking us in the workplace. For instance: Women are nurturing (men are not?) and men are competitive (women are not?). In the Nature vs. Nurture debate I acknowledge there are some traits you’re born with, but what’s more important is what happens after that. My take on it is that the difference between who has power and who does not is what’s forming our stereotypes—not nature.
 
Empathy is frequently attributed to females. Did you know that in various cultures, empathy is often exhibited by those with less power? I call this the Don’t Hurt Me, I Care About You syndrome. It makes sense.
 
The natural division of labor stereotype—men hunt and women stay home with children—has recently been challenged. Archeologists have found skeletons that show women, as well as men, went on long hunting treks.
 
What about this one: Women are better at relationships? I do believe there’s a bit of nature there. On the other hand, only recently has it become OK—somewhat OK—for women to enter the public arena. Personal relationships and caring for the home had been the only acceptable duties for women. This limited domain was definitely a No Power situation. And this No Power situation has formed the stereotypes we live with today. In the future, I believe men will take a more active role in the house and family. We see young fathers heading in this direction—the direction where No Power will shift to Equal Power—and where women will bring in equal paychecks.
 
We see communication differences between men and women—women tend to be indirect, apologize, hesitate, and defer to others. I say the majority of these differences are due to growing up with a vision of women having No Power.
 
OK here’s the problem we’re faced with:  Little girls grow up trying to fit into the stereotypes society expects them to accept, but these models are out of date for the working woman. What can you personally do? You can volunteer to speak to classrooms of children. Talk about your job and your industry. Make sure it’s interesting to both the boys and the girls. Your information is important, but your presence as a role model for girls is even more important!
 
 
Tip: 
 
Here’s what you do the next time you hear someone spouting stereotypes as if they’re reasonable. Let’s say a person says something along the lines of, “Well women are secretaries and men run the show.”  Don’t let it go untouched by reason. Handle it with humor, “Wow, that’s not the least bit sexist!” Make sure your voice tone is light and not angry.  Another example, if someone says, “She’s too pushy for a woman.” You can reply, “Oh, you mean she’s almost as competitive as Jim?”
 
 
Further Reading:
 
Podcast, Working in Heels, by Nancy Clark, Nature vs. Nurture —Men and Women: Different But Equal
 
Blog, Women’s Lunch Talk, Stereotpying Hurts Women In Business —Those Little Put-Downs Add Up
 
Website, WomensMedia, by Catalyst, Workplace Diversity —How to Tackle Resistance
 
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