Why “communicating like a woman” can work: gender stereotypes and outcomes in medical settings

“Men are more determined and strong-willed”, “Women are multitaskers and capable of greater empathy”: these are just some examples of the beliefs that deeply permeate our way of thinking and reading the world. It is almost always the female sex that loses out: to a person who appears weak, we say, “don’t be a sissy”, and we say to someone determined and authoritative, “you have the attributes”. Gender stereotypes concern multiple aspects of an individual’s life and personality: from professional life to private life, from character attitudes to roles within the family unit, from clothing style to personal tastes. It is considered normal for a man to have a leadership role in the workplace, but it is not as obvious for a woman. It is considered natural for a woman not to work to dedicate herself to her family, but it is not considered acceptable for a man to do so. Stereotypes are harmful not only in terms of discrimination and prejudice but also in terms of limiting opportunities and life experiences, since they often prevent one from exploring one’s potential.