Gender Roles in Society

Different cultures deal differently with gender roles in society.

There are so-called masculine cultures and there are feminine cultures.

The downside of these two names (masculine and feminine) is that there usually is an immediate association with gender.

In the original research work of Geert Hofstede, the intention was never there to trigger a strong association with gender-related issues in society.

But evidently, these associations are there and for a bigger part, they are not related.

So when it comes to culture and gender the words “masculinity” and “femininity” do not point to gender differences.

Culture and Gender Roles in Society

The cultural dimension Masculinity – Femininity says something about the expected behavior of men and women in any given society.

To simplify it: in high-scoring cultures, there seems to be relatively little role overlap; men are supposed to provide for their families, be the head of the family, and do manly tasks like taking the garbage out.

While in more feminine societies, there is more role overlap; here it is OK if a woman earns more than a man and the “stay at home dad” is more accepted than in masculine societies.

So when it comes to culture and gender this would be the closest link to gender differences and gender roles in society.

Take a look at the image below. This picture was taken during one of my trips to the Middle East (or read this article specifically about Dubai). A sign like that would be impossible in a feminine country like Sweden, for instance.

gender-roles-in-society

 

What are the Gender Roles in Society Within one Culture?

In any country in the world, you will find so-called IntrA-cultural differences; differences within one country, say the American East Coast and the American West Coast. Or the differences between the North and the South of Spain.

Differences within one country are called IntrA-cultural differences.

Differences between countries are called IntER-cultural differences.

There are definitely differences in gender roles within one country. In other words, American women will be less masculine than their male countrymen.

The same will be true for the most feminine country in the world, Sweden; also there will men be more masculine than women.

A clear example is the following “Word Cloud“, which illustrates the use of words in Social Media of English-speaking men and women.

gender roles in society difference between men and women

What you can clearly see is that English-speaking men use more forceful language than English-speaking women.

However, when you compare English-speaking women with Swedish women, you will still see that there is a big significant difference is between those two countries/groups when you look at the scores of these countries on this masculinity and femininity dimension.


If you’re interested in learning more why not get one of these books?

Overcome cultural differences in business

Uncertainty Avoidance in International Business

 

Get a Taste of How Chris Presents, Watch his TEDx Talk


 

 

9 + 6 =

call culture mattersCall Direct: +32476524957

 

whatsapp culture matters directlyEuropean Office (Paris) Whatsapp: +32476524957

 

The Americas (USA; Atlanta, GA; también en Español):  +1 678 301 8369

Book Chris Smit as a Speaker

If you're looking for an Engaging, Exciting, and Interactive speaker on the subject of Intercultural Management & Awareness you came to the right place.

Chris has spoken at hundreds of events and to thousands of people on the subject of Cultural Diversity & Cultural Competence.

This is What Others Say About Chris:

  • “Very Interactive and Engaging”
  • “In little time he knew how to get the audience inspired and connected to his story”
  • His ability to make large groups of participants quickly and adequately aware of the huge impact of cultural differences is excellent”
  • Chris is a dedicated and inspirational professional”

In addition, his presentations can cover specific topics cultural topics, or generally on Cultural differences.

Presentations can vary anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours and are given World Wide.

Book Chris now by simply sending an email. Click here to do so.

Read more about what Chris can do for you.

  • Percentage of People Rating a Presentation as Excellent 86% 86%
  • Rating the Presentation as Practical 89% 89%
  • Applicability of Chris' presentation 90% 90%

About Peter van der Lende

Peter van der Lende International business development

Peter has joined forces with Culture Matters.

Because he has years and years of international business development experience joining forces therefore only seemed logical.

Being born and raised in the Netherlands, he has lived in more than 9 countries of which most were in Latin America.

He currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia (USA) with his family.

You can find out more at https://expand360.com/

Or find out what Peter can do for you here.

Chris Smit
Latest posts by Chris Smit (see all)
We're looking for new Podcast Guests!

We're looking for new Podcast Guests!

If you think you or someone you know would make a good guest for our Culture Matters on International Business, drop us an email.

(make sure you or the person you know will be able to talk about International affairs!)

Thanks, we'll be back to you soon!