Gender Dynamics And Gender-Based Equality: How They Impact Mental Health
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Historically, gender dynamics have been significantly influenced by factors such as societal expectations, culture, religion, and familial structures. Although movements like feminism and LGBTQ+ rights may challenge gender stereotypes in some ways, traditional sociocultural gender norms are still often reflected in popular media and other outlets, creating a cycle of expectation and inequality that can have a significant impact on mental health. Below, explore societal attitudes towards gender, how they can create inequality, and how gender dynamics can affect mental health.
The role of traditional gender norms in identity formation
What is gender?
While gender and sex are sometimes used interchangeably, they are distinct concepts. While biological sex can influence gender, gender doesn't always align with biological sex. As such, unlike sex, gender is typically a construct susceptible to sociocultural ideas, attitudes, and biases.
The pressure to conform to gender-based norms
The pressure to conform to gender norms can manifest in various ways. For example, girls may be discouraged from STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. Boys might experience pressure to suppress emotions. Additionally, gender-diverse people may experience pressure to hide their identities and repress their authentic selves. Socialization shaped by gender norms typically begins early and can significantly impact children's development and mental health. Conforming to expected gender roles can be a psychological burden, particularly if societal constructs reinforce negative stereotypes.
What is gender-based inequality?
Plan International defines gender inequality as “the condition in which access to rights, resources, and opportunities is unequally distributed between genders, including men, women, boys, girls, and individuals of other gender identities.” Gender inequality can manifest in various areas, including disparities in access to education, employment, healthcare, and political participation. While gender inequality can affect anyone, women and non-binary individuals are often the most disadvantaged.
Gender expectations in relationships, parenting, and domestic life
In heteronormative relationships, men are often seen as providers, leaders, and protectors, expected to be assertive and suppress emotions. Contrastingly, women are traditionally viewed as caregivers, nurturers, and homemakers who are expected to be accommodating and emotionally driven. The mental load and emotional labor accompanying such expectations can be overwhelming for some. Single parents and people in non-traditional families might encounter unique challenges associated with gender norms, as well.
Gender dynamics, power, and control in relationships
Traditional gender roles often power relationships, creating imbalances where one partner is dominant and the other is submissive. In more conventional heteronormative relationships, men are frequently encouraged to take the dominant role while women must remain submissive, which, in extreme cases, results in violence against women. Global estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that nearly “one-third of women and girls aged 15 to 49 years have been subjected to some form of physical or sexual violence by their intimate partner.”
Workplace expectations and gender dynamics
Gendered expectations in leadership, collaboration, and behavior can impact employee morale, productivity, career progression, and the overall workplace culture. Such expectations can not only perpetuate gender-based stereotypes against women in the workplace but also lead to unconscious bias, in which gender dynamics may distort perceptions of women's skills and abilities. This bias may cause underrepresentation in leadership and contribute to the gender pay gap.
Gender equality in the workplace
When gender norms create a culture that doesn’t fully support, value, or recognize women’s contributions, it can lead to significant mental health challenges. In a toxic corporate culture, women might face thoughts of hopelessness and inadequacy, causing issues with self-esteem and self-worth. Women may encounter gendered violence in the workplace, such as sexual harassment stemming from deep-seated societal attitudes. Additionally, women in leadership may face pressure to balance professional expectations with societal norms, which can lead to burnout and stress, particularly for those with caregiving responsibilities.
Gender inequality and mental health
Research on the relationship between gender and mental health consistently reveals disparities in the diagnosis, expression, and treatment of mental health issues. This disparity may be partly due to lingering attitudes about gender, but it’s also likely because women have been historically underrepresented in healthcare research. Until 1993, researchers weren't required to include women in the National Institute of Health-funded biomedical studies, contributing to considerable gaps in research and care.
How gender-specific pressures impact mental health
Gender-specific societal pressures and expectations can significantly impact mental health, leading to increased stress and conditions like anxiety and mood disorders. Gender norms may also potentially affect how mental health issues are recognized and addressed. For women, the pressure to prioritize caring for others, particularly when balancing work and family responsibilities, can lead to overwhelm. Women are more likely to experience discrimination because of their gender and are also disproportionately affected by violence.
Many men also encounter gender-related challenges that can affect mental health. For example, men are often expected to maintain a façade of strength and stoicism in the face of traumatic or distressing situations. Suppression of emotions such as sadness, vulnerability, or fear can be harmful, both mentally and physically. Societal expectations may make it hard for men to recognize when they need help, and if they do realize it, the stigma associated with men asking for mental health support can deter them from finding it.
Gender diverse (TGD) identities: Equality through education and awareness
A wide breadth of research indicates that gender-diverse individuals experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. There are many reasons for the disparity in numbers. Trans people often face stigma, discrimination, and violence at higher rates. Additionally, some experience gender dysphoria, in which the individual has intense dissatisfaction and discomfort with their biological sex. Adding to such challenges is a lack of access to gender-affirming care.
Education and awareness around gender-diverse issues can be key to creating an inclusive, equitable environment. Education helps people understand that the experience of gender often occurs on a spectrum and that there are multiple possible combinations for being male, female, or another gender. Awareness of different gender identities and expressions can foster understanding, empathy, and respect, and broaden opportunities for gender-diverse people to thrive.
The psychological importance of authentic gender expression
Gender expression, or the ability to authentically present oneself in one's identity, is integral to mental health. However, cultural stereotypes of "acceptable behavior" for certain genders are common. Statistics reveal that people who do not identify with their assigned sex at birth are at an increased risk of mental health issues if they don’t feel supported by their loved ones to express themselves openly. For many, aligning their internal sense of self with how they present themselves to the world can bring profound peace, empowerment, and resilience.
Redefining roles for gender equality and wellbeing
Gender equality can positively impact many aspects of life, from individual well-being to worldwide prosperity. To make progress, traditional societal stereotypes can be challenged, and diverse genders can start to be represented. Instead of assigning roles based on biological differences, communities and families can benefit from sharing responsibilities equally, including decision-making and caregiving. Redefining roles to make them more equitable may ensure everyone has equal access to education, employment, and leadership, regardless of gender.
The role of gender-responsive education, media, and policy
Notions of gender equality often emerge early in childhood and can be significantly influenced by the educational environment. To promote equity, education systems might take steps to create a safe and inclusive space where all students know they are valued and respected. Gender-responsive education can involve inclusive curricula free from gender stereotypes and teachers equipped to address gender-based issues.
Media can also play a critical role in promoting equality by raising awareness about gender issues and cultivating respect for diverse points of view. Media outlets that adopt gender-responsive practices can challenge existing norms, expose harmful stereotypes, and promote accurate and fair representation of different genders. While social media can spread hate and intolerance for certain genders, it can also be a powerful tool. Social media outlets can provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences, educate others, and advocate for change.
The gender-responsive therapeutic relationship
Historically, the field of psychology has adhered to many of the same gender-based biases as other essential disciplines, often leading to ineffective care for many people for whom gender plays a significant role in mental health challenges. However, gender-responsive therapeutic techniques are now widely used to help meet clients’ diverse needs. Such an approach is critical for providing adequate mental health care, as there are significant gender differences in the occurrence and expression of several mental illnesses.
Studies show that women often experience higher rates of PTSD, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety. Men are more likely to struggle with substance use and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Beyond potential differences in mental health challenges, a gender-sensitive therapeutic approach can lead to more positive outcomes and cultivate a healthier therapeutic relationship. Gender-sensitive therapists can create a safer, more trusting environment for their clients to express themselves freely.
How to find gender-responsive therapy
Individuals experiencing mental health issues related to gender discrimination may be more comfortable speaking to a therapist with experience in addressing the complexity of such challenges. People in gender-diverse populations or those experiencing challenges associated with sexual health may look for therapists who specialize in treating those issues.
Although therapy can be beneficial for everyone, gender stereotypes can deter some from finding help. For example, men often experience stigma around emotional expression and vulnerability that might make them reluctant to confide in a mental health professional. Because of past experiences with bigotry, women or gender-diverse individuals may worry about judgment or discrimination in therapy.
Internet-delivered therapy may provide a solution to these issues and more. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp offer access to a broader selection of therapists experienced in working with clients facing gender-related mental health challenges. Online therapy is also convenient, allowing users to attend sessions from home on a schedule that fits their needs. Additionally, research shows that internet-delivered treatment can be effective for treating several mental health conditions. For example, a study published in BMC Psychology measured treatment outcomes for university students with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and interpersonal sensitivity, with participants reporting significant decreases in psychopathological symptoms after beginning therapy.
Takeaway
People experiencing gender discrimination in all forms are at greater risk for developing mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is experiencing psychological distress associated with any gender inequality, look for a therapist with experience addressing such issues online or in your area.
What are examples of gender dynamics?
Gender dynamics can be described as relationships and interactions with others based on gender. Differing opinions on stay-at-home parents based on their gender, in which it’s seen as “normal” for a mother to stay home with their children but not for a father to do the same, can serve as an example.
Today’s gender dynamics may be rooted in agricultural societies, in which men typically worked the fields while women stayed home with the children and maintained the household. This is thought to have led to changes in social status for men and women in many communities.
Why is it important to understand gender dynamics?
It can be important to understand gender dynamics because they reveal cultural norms and socio-cultural ideas about how men and women should act. Gender dynamics can greatly affect people at home, in the workplace, and in other environments. Even levels of food security can vary between men and women.
What is an example of gender bias in psychology?
One example of gender bias in psychology is the history of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. In the past, this research primarily focused on the presentation of ASD in young boys, which may have resulted in the underdiagnosis of girls with ASD.
What is the gender dynamic in the workplace?
Gender dynamics in the workplace can vary greatly from company to company. In general, however, gender dynamics at work can lead to men and women being treated differently in ways that impact their power and authority. For instance, interactions with an assertive man versus an assertive woman may be perceived differently, with some people viewing assertiveness in women as negative.
What four factors contribute to gender bias in the workplace?
Although there are many factors that can contribute to gender bias in the workplace, four examples include family responsibilities, cultural norms, compensation, and varying social perceptions. These factors can lead to men and women being treated in different ways rather than having an equal playing field.
What is the root cause of gender inequality in the workplace?
There are likely multiple root causes of gender inequality in the workplace. Some of these include deeply ingrained social norms, stereotyping, and gender roles.
What are two ways we see gender bias in the workplace?
Gender bias may be seen in situations where people with different genders are paid differently or receive different opportunities for advancement. Sexual harassment is another area in which gender bias often plays a role.
How are males and females treated differently in the workplace?
Every workplace is different. However, in some workplaces, women’s role may be relegated to secretarial work rather than positions of power. The types of qualities that are valued in men and women sometimes differ as well. For example, men may be rewarded for qualities like ambition and leadership, whereas women may be rewarded for being caring and compassionate.
How does gender identity affect mental health?
Gender identity can have a variety of impacts on mental health. When a person’s gender identity matches their biological sex, it may not have much of an effect on their mental health. However, when someone’s gender identity and biological sex do not align, this may indicate gender dysphoria. When a person with gender dysphoria is supported and accepted by others, they tend to have more positive mental health outcomes.
What are the effects of gender stereotypes?
Gender stereotypes often impact the ways in which people view themselves, others, and the world. They can also affect a person’s goals and career path as well.
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