Which term describes an unhealthy expectation about gender roles?

Which term describes an unhealthy expectation about gender roles?

• A. Stereotyping
• B. Androgyny
• C. Role strain
• D. Prejudice

Answer: (A)

Unhealthy expectations about how people should behave based on gender come from stereotyping. Stereotyping is applying fixed, oversimplified beliefs about a group to individuals, and when those beliefs dictate how someone must act because of their gender, they create rigid norms that can limit personal expression and well-being. For example, assuming men must be always assertive and never show emotion, or that women must be primarily caretakers, imposes expectations that may not fit any individual and can contribute to stigma or pressure. In contrast, androgyny refers to having a mix of masculine and feminine traits, not an expectation placed on others. Role strain involves conflicting demands within a single role, not blanket gender-based expectations. Prejudice is an attitude or feeling toward a group, rather than an expectation about behavior based on gender.

Unhealthy expectations about how people should behave based on gender come from stereotyping. Stereotyping is applying fixed, oversimplified beliefs about a group to individuals, and when those beliefs dictate how someone must act because of their gender, they create rigid norms that can limit personal expression and well-being. For example, assuming men must be always assertive and never show emotion, or that women must be primarily caretakers, imposes expectations that may not fit any individual and can contribute to stigma or pressure.

In contrast, androgyny refers to having a mix of masculine and feminine traits, not an expectation placed on others. Role strain involves conflicting demands within a single role, not blanket gender-based expectations. Prejudice is an attitude or feeling toward a group, rather than an expectation about behavior based on gender.