The Influence of Gender Stereotype on Women Career Development

Abstract

As gender stereotypes influence people’s impressions and ways of making decisions about others, their career development might also be affected. These preconceived notions often lead to biases in how we evaluate and interact with people in various aspects of life, including the professional realm. As a result, these stereotypes can have a profound impact on an individual’s career trajectory and overall career development. This study will investigate the negative effects of gender stereotypes on women’s career development. Previous studies have proven that women’s self-evaluation and others’ comments on them will both be affected. Common examples include women caring more about families than work, women having weaker abilities in logical reasoning and calculation, and doing management work. Influenced by such stereotypes, their opportunities being recruited, being promoted and their confidence will be negatively affected. This study uses secondary research to summarise previous literature, experiments, and primary investigations to prove the impact. Since these negative impacts may limit women’s career development and affect their mental status, realizing the effects brought by gender stereotypes is important, as it helps women to get better opportunities at work.