Gender stereotypes remain in the United States despite the fact that working mothers and stay-at-home fathers are more commonly seen in our society, a recent research has discovered.
Pew Research Center surveyed more than 4,500 U.S. adults in August and September and found that majorities of Americans see gender differences in the way they express their feelings, their physical abilities, hobbies and personal interests, and their approach to parenting.
However, there is no public consensus on the reasons behind such differences, with men generally attributing them to biological differences and women to societal expectations.
One area in which participants believe men and women are more alike than different is workplace. Sixty-three percent of respondents said both genders excel at the same things at work, while 37 percent said they are good at different things.
The respondents also perceive different pressure points for men and women in society. Seventy-six percent said men face a lot of pressure to support their family financially and to be successful in their career.
Meanwhile, more than seven-in-ten respondents believe women face a lot of pressure to be an involved parent and be physically attractive.
The survey also finds a sense among the public that society places a higher premium on masculinity than it does on femininity.
About half (53 percent) said most people in today's society look up to men who are manly or masculine, while far fewer (32 percent) say society looks up to feminine women.
The survey also revealed some gender difference in terms of raising children. Eighty percent of women and 72 percent of men believe it's ok to encourage young girls to play with toys or participate in activities typically associated with boys.
Whereas both genders seem less positive on encouraging boys to play with dolls or playhouses, with 56 percent of men and 71 percent of women saying it's a good practice.
