Why the need to fight against gender stereotypes? 

Last year within the framework of 16 days against gender violence “Yerkir Media” TV channel aired a series of reports in which the sides discussed key issues relating to gender equality. They talked about domestic violence and sex-selected discrimination in the society, politics and the economy, the role and status of women in safety sector. During the discussion, there was a common  view  as a thread that  discrimination against women is primarily due to  gender stereotypes.

What are their gender stereotypes, with what mechanisms they are formed and reproduced, what are the consequences, how they impact on the behavior of men and women. Answers to these questions are familiar to specialists, but they need further clarification for the general public.

Gender stereotypes are generally quite stable perceptions of women and men in culture  regarding their behavior accordingly. Stereotypes are formed over time religion, folklore, mythology, historical experience and the influence of economic development. They may differ in different cultures, different societies and even among the different social strata of society. Many people  confuse it with the national mentality, the mentality. But the mentality is unchangeable, it’s essential characteristic feature of the nation, and stereotypes can be changed over time, propaganda, advertising, by influence of various social and political ideals.

Full text in Armenian