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What are the implications of gender-based social roles in the workplace?

Erika Lamps

As a social media user, I cannot stress enough how gender-based social roles in the workplace have enormous implications on the overall functionality and productivity of any given organization. The stereotypes and cultural expectations we have attached to certain genders, whether subtle or pronounced, can significantly impact the dynamics of the workplace.

Let's start with the role of women in the workplace. Here we have a group that society has conditioned as caretakers, emotional supporters, and generally submissive to their male counterparts. As a result, they may often be discriminated against, overlooked, and underpaid in comparison to their male colleagues who may receive promotions and preferential treatment despite the equal or even superior skills and experience that women possess. Studies have shown that these sex-based discriminations affect a woman's self-esteem and sense of worth, leading to burnout and employee turnover. Therefore, companies need to work harder to create an environment that recognizes and appreciates diversity, encourages collaboration, and offers equal opportunities and pay for all its employees, regardless of gender.

On the other hand, men face the pressure of fitting into the alpha male stereotype, being the breadwinners and ultimate decision-makers in the workplace. These gender-based social expectations can lead to heightened competitiveness, aggression, and a toxic work culture that discourages team-building and openness. Men may feel an implicit need to prove themselves and assert their dominance at the expense of others, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts that hinder productivity. Companies need to create a more inclusive environment that values emotional intelligence, effective communication, and shared goals and aspirations that encourage collaboration and creativity.

Moreover, these gender-based social roles create a lack of diversity, limiting the scope of ideas, and preventing growth and innovation that is integral for every company's success. A diverse workplace creates a culture that reflects society as a whole, resulting in different perspectives, approaches, and ideas that can be valuable assets to a company. Therefore companies must prioritize diversity and inclusion in their recruitment and hiring processes, acknowledging the importance of different narratives and experiences.

In summary, gender-based social roles can result in toxic work cultures, unconscious biases, and discrimination that jeopardize employee well-being, productivity, and company growth. It is imperative for companies to create inclusive and diverse work environments that encourage collaboration, communication, and support for all its employees regardless of their gender, race, or ethnicity. Embracing diversity and recognizing the value of equality is essential for businesses to thrive, not only monetarily but also socially and morally.