Over the past several decades, women have made many notable gains in the workplace. They are now entering occupations that used to be traditionally dominated by men. Politically, there are only 8 female senators and 47 female representatives in the U.S. Congress.
Gender identity refers to a person s sexual self-image and to distinguish it from physiological sex.
Gender differentiation is grounded in a sex dimorphism that serves the fundamental purpose of reproducing the species. Among the traditional stereotypes about women is the belief that they are naturally passive, domestic, and envious. Masculine mystique is a set of stereotypes about men that limit their ability to function fully and effectively. Recent research on the influence of stereotypes focuses on how women may become obsessed with their appearance and their efforts to please men or to live up to an image of femininity that is largely created by men. Sexism is most evident in the employment status of women.