An international study finds that widely held beliefs about the characteristics of women and men stem largely from the social roles they commonly occupy at home and in the workplace. Rather than being inherent, gender stereotypes reflect everyday observations of how women and men are positioned within their societies.

The research aimed to uncover why men are often viewed as assertive and ambitious, while women are seen as kind and nurturing. The findings indicate that these perceptions mirror the gendered division of labor across countries. When people consistently observe men in leadership, high-status, or physically demanding roles, and women in caregiving or supportive positions, these patterns shape enduring stereotypes.

The study analyzed data from a Gallup public opinion survey conducted in 22 countries in 1995 and replicated and expanded it to 40 countries in 2023. Across all nations and both time periods, respondents consistently described men as more agentic—associated with ambition and competitiveness and women as more communal associated with warmth and care.

This persistence of gender stereotypes may appear surprising given the growing participation of women in the global workforce. However, the researchers argue that men remain disproportionately represented in prestigious and powerful roles, such as corporate CEOs and occupations requiring physical strength, including policing, firefighting, and the military. Although more women now hold leadership positions, they are more likely to lead organizations with communal missions, such as nonprofit or educational institutions.

Similarly, the stereotype of women as more caring was stronger in countries where women are concentrated in communal occupations, particularly teaching and caregiving professions. These patterns suggest that stereotypes are reinforced by visible role distributions within societies.

According to the researchers, even today, a clear gender-based division of labor in both paid work and domestic life sustains the perception of men as agentic and women as communal. These stereotypes are not imagined but are rooted in what people routinely observe.

Beliefs about competence such as intelligence and creativity also align with educational attainment. As women’s rates of college education have increased globally, perceptions of men’s and women’s competence have become more equal.

Overall, the study concludes that meaningful reductions in gender stereotypes will require structural change. Only when women and men occupy similar roles and positions across sectors can these perceptions begin to shift.

An additional finding revealed that in countries where women hold greater political power, they are perceived as more communal but not more agentic than men. This may be because women leaders are often placed in policy areas related to families, children, or social welfare, rather than finance or defense.

The implications of these findings are significant. While stereotypes can serve as mental shortcuts, they also contribute to unfair evaluations of individuals who defy gender norms. Women excelling in technical fields or men working in caregiving professions may face social disapproval simply for violating expectations.

Beyond individual harm, gender stereotypes undermine social progress by limiting opportunity and ignoring talent. To counter these effects, the researchers emphasize policies that promote a more flexible division of labor—such as parental leave for fathers, improved childcare systems, and stronger protections against gender discrimination.

Technological advancements that reduce reliance on physical labor have already expanded opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Similarly, encouraging men to enter care-focused professions helps weaken entrenched stereotypes. Government action that actively promotes equality and inclusion is essential to accelerating this shift.

Source: https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2026/01/gender-stereotypes-reflect-the-division-of-labor-between-women-and-men-across-nations?fj=1