Gender stereotype is a term used to describe the generalized belief that society has placed for certain groups of people, mainly men and women. The preconception is based on society’s characterization towards the group regarding their ability to perform some tasks. There have been a lot of contemporary gender issues in the modern globe where so much emphasis has been placed on both genders of people. The gender stereotype can be both positive and negative, but there seems to be more weight on the negative impact it has created in society. It has made society have alot of assumptions about individuals, groups of people, males or women, and their ability to carry out some tasks. In most cases, gender stereotypes have been seen to affect mainly women, as discussed by Barbara in the article “Gender As a Social Structure: Theory Wrestling with Activism” as well as in the article “We Still Need a Woman for the Job: the Warrior Woman, Feminism and Cinema In the Digital Age” written by Lee-Jane.
The author of the article “Gender As a Social Structure: Theory Wrestling with Activism “ has conceptualized the concept of Gender Stereotype as a social structure. It has been articulated that there is a need to put into the same category the issue of gender as a social structure just like any other social element of economy and polity. This indicates that the idea of gender seems deeply embedded in various aspects, including the individual level of experiences, the individual’s interpersonal relations in society, and the institutional frameworks (Risman, 2018). Additionally, considering a comprehensive view that simultaneously encompasses varied structures is needed. This is important because intersectionality is vital in determining the different inequalities. The author states that inequality may have a uniquely defined construction and influence mechanisms.
The idea of gender stereotypes has also been elaborated in the article “We Still Need a Woman for the Job: The Warrior Woman, Feminism and Cinema In the Digital Age” by Lee-Jane. The author has explored the expectations placed on the female gender, especially regarding the roles in contemporary cinema. The article has used women’s gender as a figure to demonstrate the concept of women as a cinematic archetype. The women here possess qualities such as resourcefulness, physical capability, and a figure for violence (“2010 – Senses of cinema,” n.d.). The digital transformation in cinemas has been likened to women’s ability to create an impact in social space. As a result of this view on the female gender, there seems to be a significant shift in gender representation. Women’s traits in this article have challenged the traditional norms; a combination of masculine and feminine characteristics has caused a change in the mainstream of the perceived roles of women. Additionally, there is clear support for feminism and Post-feminism in the author. Emphasis has been laid on the struggles surrounding gender representation.
The two articles have provided a basis for critically analyzing the contemporary forms of media. Focusing on the main issues discussed in the articles allows one to easily explore the prevailing gender stereotype in the given media presentation. Looking at the Mulan Movie, the above articles can help me analyze the media form in varied approaches. Just as I have learned in the article by Lee-Jane that portrays women as warriors in society, I can view Mulan’s character in the movie through the lens of gender stereotypes (YouTube, n.d.). I can achieve this by accessing the roles played by the women in the film and critically evaluating if it has challenged the gender roles in the traditional views. Furthermore, the need to view gender stereotypes as social structures, as discussed by Barbara, can help me analyze Mulan Movie by focusing on the different dimensions where the film has demonstrated the aspect of individual experience, interaction, and institutional framework.
In summary, gender stereotype is the perception, views, and characteristics placed on a group of people or individuals. The concept is evident and practically seen in modern society, especially in matters related to feminism and masculinity. The evolution of gender roles has greatly contributed to the manifestation of these factors across the globe, as demonstrated by the analysis of the above articles and the Mulan movies.
References
Risman, B. J. (2018). Gender as a social structure (pp. 19-43). Springer International Publishing.https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243204265349
We (Still) need a woman for the job: The warrior woman, feminism, and cinema in the digital age. (2010, December 20). https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2010/feature-articles/we-still-need-a-woman-for-the-job-the-warrior-woman-feminism-and-cinema-in-the-digital-age/
(n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeSNdSxfVJ8
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