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Essay On Stereotypes

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N. Trevino
English 1301
3 December 2011
The Negative Impact of Stereotypes Stereotype- a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group (Dictionary). In simpler words, stereotypes are judgments based on actions of an individual or small group, thought to be true about the rest of that group. Stereotypes refer to individuals perceptions that typically do not correspond to reality. A stereotype is a picture in the head, not an accurate mirror of the real world. Gender stereotypes, as well as many other stereotypes, possess falseness and are not always correct. Not only do gender stereotypes contain false assumptions, but can have lasting impacts of those who are …show more content…

Prestige ratings of masculine occupations had a broader range, while ratings for feminine occupations had a very small range. In the second study, 20 men and women employed as human resource professionals rated 134 occupations using the same procedures used in the first study. Results revealed that 15.7 percent of the occupations were rated as feminine, 8.9 percent as neutral, and 75.4 percent as masculine. Prestige ratings for feminine occupations again had a very small range (Education Resources Info Center). The findings of these studies suggest a majority of occupations are perceived as being masculine, and those viewed as feminine are thought to be less prestigious. In response to the occupational stereotypes of genders, statistics show men actually receive larger payments than women in certain careers. Based on data gathered by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, female physicians and surgeons set the list as the top paying job. These women earned a median of $1,618 per week, or about $84,000 a year, more than any other profession tracked by the BLS. Though male doctors continue to earn more than female doctors, the pay gap has narrowed each year; it’s now at 29 percent versus 41 percent two years ago (BLS). As for elementary and middle school teachers, women earn 87.6 cents for a man's dollar and registered women nurses earn 87.4 cents for a man's

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