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key words and expressions
Social constructs: Ideas, rules, and expectations that society invents and teaches over generations, shaped by culture, history, religion, and shared assumptions rather than biology.
Prescribed roles: Specific behaviors, responsibilities, and personality traits that society decides each gender "must" follow, often without considering individual differences or personal preferences.
Fit the mold: To behave exactly the way society expects, even when those expectations don't match a person's true personality, desires, or emotional needs.
Double standards: A situation where two groups are judged by completely different rules, usually unfairly.
Evolutionary psychology: A branch of psychology that explains modern human behavior by examining the conditions and challenges faced by our ancient ancestors.
Biological predispositions: Natural physical or hormonal tendencies that make certain behaviors slightly more likely, though these tendencies never fully determine behavior and are always influenced by culture.
Cultural blueprint: The deep, often unconscious set of rules and traditions that shape how a society thinks, behaves, and organizes family roles.
Break the mold: To challenge traditional gender expectations and behave in ways that feel authentic rather than socially required.
Cultural baggage: Old beliefs, stereotypes, and behaviors inherited from culture or family that shape people's attitudes even when they no longer make sense.
Hot-button issue: A topic so emotionally charged that even mentioning it can create tension or conflict.
Power imbalance: A situation where one group holds more authority, influence, and opportunities than another group.
Challenge the status quo: To question or oppose the traditional system that society has accepted for a long time, even when that system may be unfair.
Self-fulfilling prophecy: A psychological phenomenon where a belief about someone causes behavior that makes the belief come true.
Gender schemas: Mental frameworks that organize information about what men and women "should" look like, act like, and prefer.
Toxic masculinity: A pattern of cultural expectations that tells men they must always be strong, unemotional, dominant, competitive, and in control.
Bottle up emotions: To trap feelings inside, refusing to express sadness, fear, or insecurity because society may label those emotions as weak.
Glass ceiling: An invisible but powerful barrier preventing women from reaching top leadership positions, regardless of their qualifications or performance.
Double burden: The exhausting combination of doing a full-time paid job while simultaneously handling most housework and childcare.
Walk a tightrope: To balance between two opposing expectations, where breaking either expectation brings criticism.
Level the playing field: To create a fair environment where people of all genders have equal access to opportunities, rights, and respect.
Breaking stereotypes: Actively rejecting old assumptions and proving that talents are not limited by gender.
