Instructions
- Read through each section carefully. The goal of this worksheet is to explore how stereotypes can affect our relationships.
- Complete the activities in each section. There are different types of tasks, including sorting, analyzing scenarios, and answering short questions.
- Think about your own experiences and observations. The best answers will connect these ideas to the real world.
- Try the optional Challenge Question at the end if you want to think even more deeply about the topic.
Section 1: Stereotype Sorting
A gender stereotype is a simplistic and often inaccurate belief about how people should act or what they should be like based on their gender. These ideas can be limiting and unfair.
Task: Read the statements below. Decide if each one is a common gender stereotype or a statement of fact. Circle your choice.
| Statement | Stereotype | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Boys are naturally messier than girls. | Circle One | Circle One |
| 2. Girls shouldn't be too assertive or "bossy." | Circle One | Circle One |
| 3. All people have unique skills and interests. | Circle One | Circle One |
| 4. It's not okay for boys to show sadness or cry. | Circle One | Circle One |
| 5. Taking on leadership roles requires confidence and good communication skills. | Circle One | Circle One |
Section 2: Scenarios in Action
Stereotypes don't just exist as ideas; they can change how people act in relationships. Read the scenarios below and answer the questions that follow.
Scenario A: The Group Project
Sam, Chloe, Leo, and Maya are assigned a science project. As they sit down, Leo says, "Okay, I'll be the leader and present our findings. Sam, you're good with computers, so you can make the slideshow. Chloe and Maya, you two can do the research and write the report." Chloe wanted to help design the slideshow, but she doesn't say anything because she doesn't want to seem difficult.
1. What gender stereotype might be influencing Leo's decision-making?
2. How did this stereotype affect the roles and power balance in the group?
Scenario B: The Family Rule
Alex and his sister, Benita, both want to earn extra money. Their parents say Alex can earn money by mowing the lawn and taking out the heavy trash cans, while Benita can earn money by babysitting her younger cousin and helping with laundry. Alex loves cooking and would rather help prepare meals, but his dad says that's "not his job."
1. How have gender stereotypes influenced the roles Alex and Benita are expected to take on?
2. How does this limit their choices and control over their own activities?
Section 3: Rewriting the Script
Healthy relationships are built on respect, equality, and open communication—not stereotypes. Let's fix one of the scenarios from Section 2.
Task: Choose either "Scenario A: The Group Project" or "Scenario B: The Family Rule." Rewrite the ending to show a more positive and fair outcome where decisions are made without relying on stereotypes.
I am rewriting Scenario: _______________
Section 4: Real-World Reflection
Think about how these ideas apply outside of this worksheet. Answer the following questions with your own thoughts.
1. Why is it important for everyone in a relationship (friends, family, team) to have an equal say in decisions?
2. Describe one small thing you could do to challenge a gender stereotype if you see it happening at school or among friends.
⭐ Optional Challenge Question ⭐
How can media (like social media, movies, and advertisements) reinforce harmful gender stereotypes about power and control in relationships? Give one specific example. How could that example be changed to promote a healthier message?
Answer Key
Note: For open-ended questions, example answers are provided. Your own thoughtful answers are also correct.
Section 1: Stereotype Sorting
- Stereotype. A person's gender does not determine how tidy they are.
- Stereotype. Assertiveness is a personality trait, not a gender trait.
- Fact. This statement recognizes individuality beyond stereotypes.
- Stereotype. It is healthy for all people to express their emotions.
- Fact. These are skills anyone can develop, regardless of gender.
Section 2: Scenarios in Action
Scenario A: The Group Project
- Example Answer: The stereotype that boys are natural leaders or better at technical tasks, while girls are better suited for supportive or organizational roles (like research and writing).
- Example Answer: Leo took control and assigned roles based on stereotypes, creating an unequal power balance. Chloe's power was reduced because she felt she couldn't speak up and share her skills or preferences, giving Leo more control over the project's direction.
Scenario B: The Family Rule
- Example Answer: The roles are based on stereotypes that boys do "outside" or "heavy" work and girls do "inside" or "caring" work.
- Example Answer: It limits their choices because they can't pursue tasks they might actually enjoy or be good at. Alex is denied the chance to cook, and Benita isn't given the option to do yard work. This controls their opportunities based on their gender, not their interests.
Section 3: Rewriting the Script
- Example for Scenario A: Leo could start by saying, "What part of the project is everyone most interested in doing? Let's list the tasks and decide together who does what based on our skills and interests." Chloe could then volunteer for the slideshow, and the group could decide on a leader or share leadership responsibilities.
- Example for Scenario B: The parents could post a list of all available chores with the amount of money for each. Alex and Benita could then choose the jobs they want to do each week. This way, their choices are based on interest and fairness, not gender.
Section 4: Real-World Reflection
- Example Answer: It is important so that everyone feels respected, valued, and heard. When power is shared, it leads to better ideas, stronger teamwork, and prevents one person from having unfair control over others.
- Example Answer: If someone says "you throw like a girl" as an insult, you could say "what does that even mean?" or "everyone throws differently." Or, if a task is being assigned based on gender, you could suggest that people choose the task they actually want to do.
Optional Challenge Question
Example Answer: An advertisement might show a mom struggling with laundry until a new detergent saves her day, reinforcing the stereotype that cleaning is a woman's job. This could be changed by showing a dad, a teenage son, or a whole family working together to do the laundry. This would promote the healthier message that household responsibilities are shared by everyone who lives in the home. Movies could show female characters as strong leaders in action films or male characters as caring and emotionally expressive, breaking down traditional power stereotypes.