THE ROLE OF GENDER AND GENDER STEREOTYPES IN SOCIETY

This article examines gender as a socially constructed phenomenon and analyzes gender stereotypes from psychological, sociological, and linguistic perspectives. The study explores how emotional cognition, cultural traditions, education, and media representations shape stereotypical gender roles attributed to men and women. Drawing on theories proposed by West and Zimmerman, Risman, Spolsky, Meyerhoff, Immordino-Yang, and other scholars, the article demonstrates how gender stereotypes influence identity formation, professional opportunities, emotional expression, family relations, and mental health. The findings indicate that gender stereotypes restrict both men and women and emphasize the importance of education, social awareness, and critical thinking in promoting gender equality. Key Words: gender, gender stereotypes, social construct, psychological basis, masculinity, femininity, social norms, identity formation, inequality