Gender Roles

When we generalize common traits or traditions of a group of people and assign them to everybody in that group, we are stereotyping. There are positive and negative aspects to stereotyping. This has a negative meaning when we put all individuals in a box. For example, “all men are chauvinists.” This does not account for the men who are not. It is a dangerous assumption to make. On the other hand, there are some positive aspects to stereotyping. It is often what we do when we are initially connecting with a culture or trying to describe a group of people. For example, “Ukrainians are family-oriented.” This allows someone from the outside to initially understand that Ukrainians generally have a deep-seeded need for family.

There are many stereotypes that stem from Ukraine's history and traditions. This Chapter will look at the gender roles of men and women and at students’ life. You will have an opportunity to use this information about Ukraine to discover new things about your own society.

People of Ukraine: Part 1 – Men

An adapted article from Alina Rudya (2009). “People of Ukraine: Part 1 – Men,” Kyiv Post, March 4th. Access: http://www.kyivpost.com.

Alina Rudya regrets what she calls “Slavic man syndrome.”

Men usually play an important role in the lives of almost every female. We deal with them when we work, party or go on vacation. They are our fathers, brothers, boyfriends and lovers. Men are everywhere.