Chapter 1: The Thought Experiment

Have you ever questioned your own perceptions regarding gender? Research indicates that biases can form at a young age and are notoriously difficult to dismantle.

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One well-known thought experiment is often introduced in gender studies courses. Here’s how it unfolds:

A young boy wakes up early to fish with his father. Tragically, they encounter an accident at a railroad crossing, resulting in the father's death while the boy survives but sustains serious injuries. Rushed to the hospital, the child requires an urgent operation, and the surgeon steps forward, declaring, “I can’t operate on him. He is my son!”

Now, you have only three seconds to determine the surgeon’s relationship to the child.

One second.

Two seconds.

Three seconds.

What was your answer? Did you assume the mother was the surgeon or did you experience confusion about how the father could not operate on his son?

As someone who considers herself a feminist, I, too, was taken aback. My thoughts veered toward the possibility of a stepfather or some other relation before I realized the surgeon was, in fact, the boy’s mother. It was a moment of cognitive dissonance that is all too common.

Unconscious gender bias is pervasive. Research using fMRI scans shows that the first two identifiers we notice about a person are gender and race, leading our brains to make swift assumptions based on these characteristics.

These ingrained biases can be difficult to overcome, as they are often embedded from childhood. For instance, parents may believe they are treating their children equally, yet their actions often reflect a bias. In one study, babies were asked to climb an incline, and parents adjusted the slope based on their child's gender—making it steeper for boys and gentler for girls, despite the fact that baby girls often climbed better.

Biological differences between genders exist, but our environment significantly shapes our brains. A child who is only given dolls may not develop spatial skills, while one who only receives trucks may lack emotional intelligence. Our cognitive abilities develop in response to our experiences.

Society's expectations further influence how we view ourselves and others. A revealing study by Seth Stephens-Davidowitz in 2014, titled "Google, Tell Me. Is My Son a Genius?" exposed stark gender biases in parental perceptions. The study showed that parents were 2.5 times more likely to search for "Is my son gifted?" than "Is my daughter gifted?" Neuroscience contradicts this, indicating that girls often develop brain connections at a faster rate than boys.

Moreover, parents were found to be twice as likely to Google "Is my daughter overweight?" compared to "Is my son overweight?"—a discrepancy that does not align with the higher global prevalence of obesity among boys.

These findings highlight a broader issue: both children and adults are more inclined to associate genius with men rather than women. This implicit bias can hinder women's progress in fields perceived to require brilliance.

To combat these biases, we need to acknowledge their existence and challenge societal stereotypes. For example, the stereotype that an assertive woman is labeled negatively while an assertive man is viewed as authoritative is flawed. A study involving over 30,000 respondents found that assertive women were regarded as equally competent as assertive men, contrary to common belief.

Despite this, many women still internalize the fear of being perceived negatively when they assert themselves, which can lead to self-censorship.

Additionally, a lack of exposure to diverse gender perspectives can reinforce biases. Many people tend to engage with influencers, authors, and artists from their own gender, limiting their understanding. To cultivate emotional intelligence, it’s crucial to view the world through various lenses.

Anthropologist David Graeber illustrates this issue through a classroom exercise where students were tasked with writing essays about switching genders for a day. The girls produced thoughtful reflections, while many boys outright refused to participate, showing a reluctance to even consider the perspective of the opposite gender.

Implicit biases trap us in a cycle of negativity, causing us to overlook the strengths of others. If we want to nurture a generation that respects each other’s abilities, we must see individuals beyond stereotypes.

Chapter 2: Breaking Down Gender Stereotypes

In this engaging video titled "There Are Only TWO Genders," students from PSU participate in a thought experiment that challenges their beliefs about gender. The discussion reveals how ingrained biases can influence perceptions and interactions.

The second video, "The Biases that Blind Us: How Gender Stereotypes Constrain Opportunities for Women in STEM," delves into the societal barriers women face in science and technology, highlighting the impact of stereotypes on career choices and achievements.

Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential for fostering a more equitable society.