Answer the following questions by selecting the correct/most appropriate option.


Rosy drew a picture of a woman as a nurse and a man as an engineer. On asking the reason behind it, she replied, ‘women make better nurses because they are more patient and gentle, whereas science requires a technical mind and women are not capable of dealing with technical things.’
What does Rosy’s statement reflect?

Correct option is C

"Gender stereotype" is the correct answer. Rosy’s statement reflects a gender stereotype, which is an overgeneralized belief or assumption about the roles and capabilities of men and women. In this case, she is associating women with traits like patience and gentleness, which she believes make them better nurses, while she assumes that men are more suited for technical professions like engineering. This belief system restricts individuals to specific roles based on their gender, reflecting stereotypical thinking.

·       Gender typing refers to the process by which children learn and adopt behaviors traditionally associated with their gender, but it does not explain Rosy's reasoning based on abilities.

·       Gender discrimination involves unfair treatment based on gender, which is not explicitly reflected in Rosy's reasoning.

·       Gender constancy is a child’s realization that their gender remains the same across time, which is not relevant to Rosy's explanation.

Information Booster:

·       Gender stereotypes are oversimplified beliefs about what men and women can or should do, based on societal norms.

·       These stereotypes often limit opportunities for individuals by assigning roles or attributes based solely on their gender.

·       Stereotypes can perpetuate gender inequality by influencing career choices, educational opportunities, and personal relationships.

·       Challenging gender stereotypes involves promoting equal opportunities and encouraging both boys and girls to explore all roles and professions.

·       Early childhood education is critical in addressing and preventing the reinforcement of such stereotypes.

Additional Knowledge:

·       Gender typing is the process by which children learn behaviours and roles considered appropriate for their gender through socialization. It involves adopting gender-specific behaviours but doesn't necessarily reflect stereotypical beliefs about abilities.

·       Gender discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly or unequally based on their gender. It involves actions that disadvantage a person or group, which Rosy's statement doesn’t imply directly.

·       Gender stereotype relates to the belief that certain traits, characteristics, or roles are inherently tied to one gender. Rosy’s views about women being better suited for nursing due to their patience and not capable of technical work clearly reflect this.

·       Gender constancy refers to the understanding that gender remains the same regardless of changes in appearance or behaviour, which develops in children around the age of 6-7 and is unrelated to stereotypes about abilities.

·       Stereotypes often negatively impact how children view themselves and others, influencing their future choices and career paths.