Results
Choe Kee Cheng, Female, Singapore, General Paper Teacher
Are the stereotypes and social expectations of men and women today justified?
There's no easy answer for this one. It depends on the type of society you are in and how developed and advanced the society is in terms of modernisation.
Are these stereotypes grounded in biological function?
To a large part, yes. The stereotypes arise as a result of physical differences in men and women, and what society in general perceives to be associated with those differences.
How are these social expectations changing in modern day?
Globalisation - Has made women more connected and aware of themselves as a distinct group with their own 'rights', strength and weaknesses. This means that traditional gender roles may not hold true anymore in this day and age for men and women themselves - nor can one expect these social mores to be adhered to, particularly in developed countries. Having said that, however, men and women have all along been socialised to think, behave and react according to certain social norms, e.g. women as the homemaker. So even though social expectations might change in today's society, the effects of that would be multi-layered and affect different segments of different societies with different intensity and depth.
Is stereotyping men and women and confining them to certain area of work detrimental to societal progress?
It's possible. But viewed from another point of view, it's also about specialisation of talents, and the utilisation of specific strengths where it counts.
How do we begin to eradicate such stereotypes?
Through the deliberate socialisation of individuals even from their infancy stage that men and women can be equal. This process may be reinforced by the educative processes that the individual undergoes as he/she develops into a young man/woman.
Germain Heng, Male, Singapore, General Paper and Knowledge and Inquiry Teacher
Do you believe that gender equality is now achieved in society today?
Gender equality can never be achieved even in this time and age if there are already differences between the male and the female. A basic example would be our own biological make-up. If the female remains to be the only means of procreation as well as a vehicle for nursing our young, it would already be logical to assume that companies are unwilling to take on females because they have to make provisions for the female to be on maternity leave, etc. on the long term.
What do you think is feminism's role in the balance between men and women?
The feminist movement allows the female voice to be heard in most avenues. It highlights the divide between male and female, but it does not necessarily remove it.
Do you believe that social roles of men and women are predetermined by biological functions?
Yes, and it has always been as such back from the days of the pre-historic Man, where there were specific roles for both the male and the female to play.
What do you think is the perfect balance between men and women, and will the world ever reach this balance between men and women?
The balance would be reached when each entity is completely comfortable and in sync with the roles that they play in society. Such a balance will never be reached as it is not in our human nature to be contented with our positions.
Yeo Yin Hong, Female, Singapore, Student
Are the developed countries grounded in values such as freedom and equality truly free for both men and women?
Not exactly. The truth is, on the surface where laws are concerned, it is true that women and men have equal rights, for instance, the right to vote and the right to own property. However, there are still certain cultural practices that tend towards a certain gender and stereotyping is still quite prevalent in society today.
What do you think of feminism?
I think that perhaps women should not try so hard to do what the men do but develop in the areas they are good at naturally and be proud of it.
Rina Hee, Female, Singapore, Student
Are the stereotypes and social expectations of men and women today justified?
Stereotypes still exist today but they are definitely not justified. How a person behaves is determined by his or her character not because they are male or female respectively. People cannot be easily defined because of their sex. Also, in modern society, so many people are doing so many different things and there is so much diversity. Many things are accepted now as well. Men and women no longer fit into the traditionally ascribed gender roles and do whatever they want now.
How do we begin to eradicate such stereotypes?
I think we should just be more accepting of those that are different and be more open-minded. Slowly, these stereotypes will just go away.
Phua Zhai Juan, Male, Singapore, Student
Is feminism enough for the emancipation of women?
The emancipation of women would only be successful for feminists and others who champion such an idea, because that is the first step. Feminists are ultimately only a small group of people in a very diverse world where people have many points of view. There are still many people in this world who view women as the inferior sex and feminism is unlikely to impact them.
He Xinyi, Female, Singapore, Student
How have the roles and responsibilities of men and women changed?
Women have proven to be equally capable as men, for instance in terms of taking up leadership roles. Women can now do what is reserved for men only. Although there are biologically innate characteristics that we have that determine our role, such as giving birth, mindsets have changed today and that is beneficial to society.