“A woman’s mental strength can also be hindered by how society believes women should behave—in other words, “gender norms.” For example, think about the way people treat women for expressing their emotions.
Studies show that male leaders who express anger often gain respect from subordinates. Female leaders, however, are more likely to be labeled “unstable” or “overly emotional” when they show anger. Clearly, there’s a double-standard.
In addition, people are more likely to view men as leaders. In fact, studies show that when adults are asked to draw a picture of a leader, both men and women are more likely to draw a man.
So how might these cultural expectations and stereotypes affect women’s mental strength? Well, it can lead to unhealthy habits, like downplaying their success or staying silent. In essence, women are often punished for stepping outside of their perceived gender roles, which can hinder them from breaking molds and succeeding as easily as men do.”
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