GENDER STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICES

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GENDER AND SEX: SOCIAL CONSTRUCTS

It is essential to distinguish between natural phenomena and social constructs in order to understand the root cause of many harassing behaviors.

Biological sex refers to natural physiological characteristics (such as giving birth), while gender encompasses ideas, practices, beliefs and attributes that a society considers appropriate for men and women at a given time.

These perceptions are not immutable; they change over time and culture. For example, the association of the color pink with girls or the idea that only men can lift heavy weights are learned social phenomena, not natural laws. Imagine Joan of Arc in a modern corporate context.

If her colleagues were to discriminate against her or harass her by arguing that her "feminine nature" prevents her from leading aggressive market strategies or "going to battle" in tough negotiations, they would be operating under a socially constructed gender stereotype, not a biological reality.

Sensitivity to these constructs is vital to avoid biases that limit professional potential based on archaic expectations of how each gender should behave or look.

IMPACT OF BIASES ON PROFESSIONAL DECISION MAKING

Gender stereotypes negatively influence talent management and task assignments.

There are often preconceived notions about which gender is appropriate for certain professions (nursing vs. engineering) or leadership roles.

When an employee challenges these aesthetic or behavioral norms, he or she can become a target of hostility.

A clear case in point is harassment based on appearance that defies traditional gender roles, such as a man wearing accessories considered "feminine."

Suppose writer Oscar Wilde, known for his flamboyant style, works as a receptionist at a conservative firm run by Queen Victoria.

If she told him that in order to move up to a customer service position he should "look more normal" and remove his rings and carnations, based solely on the fact that "men don't dress like that," he would be engaging in gender stereotyping discrimination.

If Victoria further made derogatory jokes about Wilde being her "office girl" because of her style, this would constitute environmental harassment based on gender bias, regardless of his job competence.

DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND TRADITIONAL ROLES

Sexual harassment is often intertwined with actual or perceived sexual orientation discrimination.

This occurs when an employee does not adhere to hegemonic stereotypes of masculinity or femininity.

The harasser may conduct intrusive interrogations about private life (marital status, children) to confirm suspicions and then spread rumors.

This behavior punishes the employee for not meeting the offender's social expectations.

If mathematician Alan Turing were subjected to constant questioning by his supervisor about why he has no wife or children, and in the face of his evasive answers the supervisor began