Gender Stereotypes

•

Don't Stereotype Me!

Men and women are biologically different to one another in attitude and brain functioning. However, does this fact justify a different treatment in daily matters which is based on sex?

From our childhood, society has a large impact on our lives and it tends to teach us stereotyped role models, like labelling toys: “for boys”&“for girls” or even determining which colour we ought to pick when we buy things for the male or female sex.

The gender stereotypes and associated mindsets often result in an unintentional slide into stereotyped behaviour patterns. Tests show that girls are not weaker in maths or less practical than boys. Similarly, boys don’t - from their own nature - feel less emotions or are less sensitive than girls. Yet, from an early age onwards, subtle comments influence us as, “You’re a big boy, big boys are brave, strong and don’t cry!”

In this project, I wanted to draw attention on gender stereotypes which affect people in a negative way and cause unfair discrimination. I wanted people to think about the stereotype roles they’re given and which they subconsciously play every day.

I chose some stereotypes which are scientifically not true, so I turned these stereotypes in the other way around. Starting from a couple of stereotype sayings, I made some designs with striking materials; using laser cutting, 3D typography, shiny papers, etc. Afterwards, I placed these designs in different locations across London. I photographed them and observed how people responded to them.