Which term refers to a fixed and over generalised belief about gender?

• A. Sexism
• B. Patriarchy
• C. Gender stereotyping
• D. Gender roles

Answer: (C)

A fixed and over-generalised belief about gender is gender stereotyping. It happens when we assume that all people of a particular gender share the same traits, abilities, or roles, ignoring individual differences. These beliefs can be expressed as blanket judgments like thinking all women are nurturing or all men are naturally aggressive, which can shape how we treat people and justify unequal expectations. This differs from sexism, which is discriminatory behavior based on those beliefs; patriarchy refers to the broader social system that privileges men; and gender roles are the societal expectations about how people should behave based on gender. So the idea of universal, rigid traits tied to gender best fits gender stereotyping.