Across the UK the number of women in the teaching profession significantly outnumbers that of men. It is important to address this gender imbalance as it can be discouraging for young men in their education journey and can also have a negative impact on students as male teachers exhibit certain characteristics and resources needed in the school environment. To address this problem, we must consider the reasons for this imbalance and challenge society's attitudes towards the teaching profession. It is through social categorization that we can respond to someone, and although an individual's sex is critical in deciding whether they are male or female, it is small compared to social influences. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay According to Bern, 1981 male and female roles are exposed to children by the culture in which they live. In the early stages of their social development, children will modify their behavior to align with the gender norms of their culture. Bern anticipated that a child's cognitive development, combined with social influences, has a massive impact on the schema, or thought patterns, that determine masculine and feminine traits. Gender schemas impact not only how an individual processes information, but the beliefs and attitudes that direct “gender appropriate” behavior. For this reason, we must recognize that those living in traditional cultures are under the impression that a woman's role lies in raising and caring for their children, while a man's role is in work and industry. In contrast, a young woman raised in a progressive culture may decide not to marry and pursue a career instead. With nonconformity, individuals become subjects of social disapproval and often feel pressured to face rejection or even change their behavior for those who disapprove of them. One of the most widely used psychological assessment tools in the world is known as the Bem Sex-Role Inventory. (BRSI). The questionnaire listed sixty different words that were masculine, feminine, or gender-neutral. After completing the test, respondents were asked to rate how strongly they could identify with each characteristic. Instead of categorizing people as masculine or feminine, the list presents both traits as part of a continuum. An individual may rank high in one gender or low in another or, alternatively, high in both masculine and feminine traits. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a custom essay The media has also had a huge contribution to the way our perception of gender has been formed. Research conducted between the 70s and 80s highlighted the link between children's perception of gender and television advertising. Kacerguis and Adams (1979) suggested that “children's exposure to gendered activities through play with toys may be a source of influence on the type of occupation chosen in later life.” Contrary to this belief (Lemish, 2007) argues that although television can enhance existing attitudes regarding gender roles, there are other influences that create those attitudes to begin with. For example, parents indoctrinate what is gender appropriate because they are less enthusiastic about their children playing with gender-neutral toys and children are likely to feel encouraged or discouraged by..