THE ROLE OF GENDER AND GENDER STEREOTYPES IN SOCIETY
Abstract
This article examines gender as a socially constructed phenomenon and analyzes gender stereotypes from psychological, sociological, and linguistic perspectives. The study explores how emotional cognition, cultural traditions, education, and media representations shape stereotypical gender roles attributed to men and women. Drawing on theories proposed by West and Zimmerman, Risman, Spolsky, Meyerhoff, Immordino-Yang, and other scholars, the article demonstrates how gender stereotypes influence identity formation, professional opportunities, emotional expression, family relations, and mental health. The findings indicate that gender stereotypes restrict both men and women and emphasize the importance of education, social awareness, and critical thinking in promoting gender equality.
References
1. Spolsky, B. (1998). Sociolinguistics. Oxford University Press.
2. Meyerhoff, M. (2006). Introducing sociolinguistics. Routledge.
3. Risman, B. J. (2004). Gender as a social structure: Theory wrestling with activism. Gender & Society, 18(4), 429–450.
4. West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125–151.
5. Encyclopedia of Gender and Society. (2009). SAGE Publications.
6. Murodovna, B. (2020). Education as a strong tool for gender equality. Uzbek International Journal, 3(12), 45–53.
7. Immordino-Yang, M. H. (2016). Emotions, learning and the brain. W. W. Norton & Company.
8. Acikogretim.net. (n.d.). Introduction to sociology: Gender overview. https://www.acikogretim.net.tr/introduction-to-sociology-dersi-6-unite-ozet.html
9. ResearchGate. (2017). Social construction of masculinity and femininity. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361218995_Social_Construction_of_Masculinity_and_Femininity
