Stereotypes and countertypes of gender

Stereotype: a widely held and oversimplified image or idea about a type of person or group of people. Usually created by selecting the negative characteristics of that person/group of people.







Countertype: a widely held and oversimplified positive image or idea about a type of person or group of people.  e.g. all religious people are kind.


Sex refers to the biological  and physiological characteristics that define man or women.


Gender refers to socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women.


Male
Examples of male stereotypes include:

• Anger/violent
• Can't multitask

Examples of male countertypes:

• Provides for family
• 
  

  Physically strong
• Gentlemen
  
• Sporty
• In control

Female

Example of female stereotype include:

• Sexually promiscuous
• Avoid confrontation/weak
• Likes to go shopping
• Cooking and cleaning

Example of female countertype include:

• Nurturer
• Organised
• Romantic