Page 3 - Module 2 - Downloadable Workbook
P. 3
Stereotypes & Gender Boxes
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The Man Box
Studies show that the pressures placed on men to conform to the Man Box can lead to a range of workplace issues and unhelpful cultural norms:
• No weakness: Never admitting mistakes, suppressing vulnerability and emotion.
• Strength and stamina: Prizing endurance such as working extreme hours with no breaks.
• Work first: Taking a break, such as paternity leave or holiday, is seen as lacking commitment or ambition.
• Dog eat dog: Ruthless competition where no one is trusted.
What About Your Team?
Now think about your team members and how they interact in the workplace.
• Do you and your team members openly admit mistakes and share concerns?
• Does your team culture value and reward working long hours and skipping breaks?
• Does your team regularly take their full holiday allocation and any leave they are due, without concern?
• Do your team members see each other as trusted colleagues or merely competition for the next career enhancing opportunity?
