As explained by Basow (1986), gender roles are behaviors, expectations, and roles defined by society as masculine or feminine, which are embodied in the behavior of the individual. It refers to the set of attitudes and behaviors socially expected of the members of a particular gender (Philpot, 2000). It is often referred to as societal gender roles. Logically, the behaviors attributed to a particular gender are enacted at an individual level as gender roles, which often shape reactions and perceptions, and as well as system of power relations between and among men and women. According to Berm’s theory of 1974, a traditionally gender-typed person is highly attuned to the cultural definitions of gender-appropriate behavior and uses such definitions as the ideal standard against which his or her own behavior is to be evaluated.
The process by which children learn behaviors that their culture considers appropriate for each sex is referred to as Gender-typing. This process takes place in early childhood, but children vary in the degree which they become gender-typed. Gender stereotypes are preconceived generalization about male and female behavior such as females are weak and males are stronger. Gender stereotypes pervade many cultures. Gender not only varies from one culture to another, but it also varies within cultures over time. Because culture is not static but evolves, the societies become more complex, and then the roles play by each sex may not only determine by culture but also by society. They are seen to some degree in young children and much older children often attribute positive qualities to their own sex and negative qualities to the other sex (Egan & Perry, 2001).
In addition, gender roles are the behaviors, interests, attitudes, skills, and personality traits that a culture considers appropriate for males and females. Some typical examples of masculinity and femininity gender roles in our society are:
- Men should provide and cater to their families.
- Women should look after the children.
- Men should not do housework.
- Women should stay at home and home chores.
- Men should show no weakness.
- Men should always avoid appearing feminine.
- Women are weak.
- Men should not cry.
It is a reality that men and women usually accept the roles defined and perpetuated by their society which can be both positive and negative for them. These gender roles are learned from a young age as parents may treat girls and boys differently and men and women are expected to think, feel, and act in this direction. There are many other factors that could influence gender roles. Some of these factors include age, culture, marital status, education, economics, profession, and the country or society itself. The ability to conduct counseling effectively is becoming increasingly relevant and is recognized to be important in addressing inequalities, which may also be patterned by the factors highlighted above. Understanding the gender roles in any society a counselor finds him/herself will help to better understand the situation of his/her client, and thus improve the counseling interactions.
