I have a question for you, and it is an unusual one, but what is the connection between Pomeranian dogs and Gender Stereotyping? I will return to that question later In the meantime have a think about it while you read on Pomeranian dogs are extroverted, friendly, playful and intelligent, and also known as Pom pom, Pom, Deutscher Spitz, Zwergspitz, Spitz nain, Spitz enano and Zwers They are also small dogs and unbelievably cute. and I utterly adore them, and I intend to own one Does that seem OK to you? Now let’s consider Gender Stereotyping... Gender Stereotyping is defined by the United Nations as “the practice of ascribing to an individual woman or man specific attributes, characteristics, or roles by reason only of her or his membership in the social group of women or men” The United Nations also states “ Gender stereotyping is wrongful when it results in a violation or violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms “ So, did you think it a bit weird or odd when I said as a man that I utterly adored Pomeranian dogs and intend to own one? If you felt it a bit weird or odd, then here we have the answer to my earlier question as to the link between Pomeranian dogs and Gender Stereotyping Because let’s be honest, it is not normal for a guy to own a Pomeranian dog and to say openly he adores them, as they are cute, small, fluffy dogs, and Gender Stereotyping tells us a man needs to have a dog that suits a man, for example one which is larger and not small and cute and fluffy, and is therefore “manly” I hope this helps you to appreciate how ingrained gender stereotyping is and how deep it is within us So only by challenging these assumptions and looking at things afresh, can we make real progress in ending gender stereotyping I hope this conversation helps And to close, here is a pic of a cute Pomeranian, aren’t they sooooo wonderful :) About the Author
Kevin Lyons is Senior HR Manager at Pearson in London, the FTSE100 organization with global presence, and the world’s learning company. Kevin’s passion is Talent, and what he sees as the twin pillars of Talent Management, Diversity & Inclusion combined with Learning & Development. He is also fascinated by the impact of technology on HR and wider society. Kevin has a career spanning Human Resources in leading companies and is a regular voice in media communicating his views regarding Human Resources.
9 Comments
Kate Gill-Carter
9/27/2018 02:01:26 am
Kevin, I felt so pleased that you were passionate about owning a pom pom dog. Why should it matter that a male is expressive ( I am still encouraging my husband to communicate more and share feelings) It seems so deeply ingrained. I am excited for this to change You are so right and it is so archaic for stereo-typing to still exist. I have made sure my daughters are free to dress in non gender specific clothes and always given them a range of toys for every one to use. My two love the mud pie and potion making in the garden best and not simply 'girly stuff' and pink.
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11/21/2018 12:03:04 pm
Hi Kate,
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Chiara
9/28/2018 02:28:28 am
This story is as simple as impactful and cam be easily used in conversation to help people understand how indeed ingrained gender stereotypes are in our culture. Thanks Kevin!
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10/11/2018 04:25:14 am
I love short, sharp, simple catalysts for conversation especially when we are dealing with complex subjects such as gender stereotyping.
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Cristian
10/12/2019 09:14:53 pm
Dogs are similar to their owners. Pom poms are very fragile and high maintenance. Just putting that out there.
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