The weight of social gaze: 7 out of 10 women feel that by expressing their ideas they are “judged negatively”

Fortunately, the gender gap between men and women has declined over the past few decades, but there are still many barriers that hinder the full development of women personally and at work. The weight of stereotypes still persists, and it also affects new generations.

When analyzing the obstacles who still face women Whether at home or in a professional setting, data they are eloquent. Recently, a investigation revealed that 7 out of 10 Women agree that the most common reaction when expressing their ideas publicly is to be judged negatively.

“There gap that must be closed is the one that is right after all in which we feel full and free. This place where obstacles appear, where one steps back before the gaze of others, where our voice is not heard“, the report postulated”Beliefs vs Barriers. X-ray of current advances and tensions”.

Is that for 77% of those questioned, the role of women in society “has changed a lot or a lot” in the last 10 years, according to the investigation developed by the data analysis consultancy Neuronal in alliance with Ser, the healthy food company of the Danone group.

To arrive at these results, a numerical survey was carried out in which the 350 women between 25 and 45 years old. 86% of them feel more empowered than in other times: an encouraging sign that shows that certain obstacles are being overcome.

According to the scenarios analyzed in the survey, “the most youth“native” protagonists of this transformation, feel freer than previous generations”.

In this vein, 91% of respondents in the age group between 25 and 35 perceive greater autonomy, while in the age group between 36 and 45, autonomy reaches 83%.

In what areas does the woman feel more free to express what you think? This was one of the questions raised in the study. The results showed that 34% experienced the freedom “to be able to choose whether they want to be a mother or not; 30% in access to education; and 26% to be able to decide on their image: what to wear, how to dress and how to take care of their body”.

The gaze of survey participants agreed that absolute freedom does not exist. While 75% of women said they “almost always and generally feel free to express themselves in a consistent way across the country,” less than 10% think they will not be judged for this and as mentioned previously, 7 out of 10 perceive a negative judgment on their ideas.

In this sense, courage, autonomy and conviction appeared to be the values ​​most weighted by the respondents when they express themselves in public. Unfortunately, many women still choose not to speak out for fear of being judged.

When and why do they choose not to express their thoughts? “34% when they know it exposes them; 58% when they know it doesn’t suit them; and 31% when they know that others will not understand them”, they detailed.

By virtue of these precepts, the authors of the survey asked what motivates women when it comes to fighting for their beliefs. “Themselves and network containment,” they introduced; and they deepened that self-esteem, self-confidence, children, friends and the network of other women “who are fighting in the street” are the main triggers.

Second, the survey conducted by Ser and Neuronal revealed that 40% of Argentine women believe they have to fight “to have more job opportunities”, while 39% “to have the same salaries as men to do the same task”.

In domestic environments, the inequalities experienced by women in the social and professional spheres are reproduced. New generations continue to feel the disparity in caring tasks and managing family routines.

In this sense, 37% of participants highlighted the need for greater parity in the distribution of domestic tasks and care of children or elderly people in charge. “The world of work, pay and parenting continue to be earings beyond the accomplishments,” the report concludes.

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