What Sexists, Ageists, and Only-Child Skeptics Have in Common

"Sexists, ageists, and only-child skeptics buy into negative myths and unsupported biases. In short, they are mostly stuck in the past and misinformed. The dated thinking around these issues is deeply embedded and fed by what a person believes and where they get their information. Most of us cling to one stereotype or another. Unintentionally, we may hold on to stereotypes about race, firstborn or middle children, single women, childless women, gender, or older people."

"Like only-child stereotypes, ageism is ingrained in our culture and based on falsehoods. The same could be said of gender stereotypes. Researchers Lin Bian et al. have found that girls as young as 6 associate a high level of intellectual ability, such as brilliance or genius, with men more than women. The reality is that no person of any age, background, family makeup, or life stage neatly fits our preconceived stereotypes. Criticism cuts both ways."

"Criticism cuts both ways. Today, for instance, larger families face the kind of censure or ridicule that was once reserved for only children and their parents. I was among those who questioned the Duggars, the family starring in the reality TV show "19 Kids and Counting." When their 19th child was born. I asked, "When Will the Duggars Stop?" The Duggars are an outlier, certainly, when it comes to family size, but having a conversation about family size and bringing attention to it takes great care."

Stereotypes are often long-held, rooted in outdated beliefs, and persist even after being disproven. People unknowingly maintain stereotypes about race, birth order, single or childless women, gender, and older adults. Adolescents face expectations of rebellion and irresponsibility. Ageism and gender stereotypes are culturally ingrained; research finds girls as young as six link high intellectual ability with men. No individual neatly fits preconceived categories. Criticism toward family size has shifted over time, and scrutiny of atypical families can reinforce bias. Changing entrenched beliefs requires time and careful conversation but remains achievable.

Read at Psychology Today