Coinciding with International Women's Day, a group of girl guides were given advice from pop star Pixie Lott and broadcaster Angela Rippon on how to free themselves of traditional gender roles. They were advised to believe in themselves, never give up, and always enjoy what they do.
Recent research shows that 15% of seven to 16-year-olds strive for a career in hair and beauty, while just 16% of the slightly older girls want to become teachers.
Do you think we place too much importance on traditional gender roles? If so, what are the most damaging aspects of gender roles, and how can we change old habits?
i think if girls are to rid themselves of traditional gender roles, then they need help with that. those roles are perceived because they are reinforced by society. I agree some of it is just "habit" but some of it could perhaps be solved by a bit of positive discrimination in the short-term. For example, why do we still have so few female MPs? I don't believe it's because women aren't interested, I think they see a bit of a glass ceiling in that area.
I think there are two sides to gender roles, there are the obvious physiological differences between men and women and then there are the expectations that come with that.
I think that if we could rid ourselves of the expectations, we've come a long way. There are too many preconceptions of what a woman should be, and that often has a negative affect both on girls and boys.
Not convinced traditional gender roles are the problem at all today. i believe it's the internet and media to blame. The media through advocating the lifestyles and beliefs of women like Jade Goody and Katie Price. When was there a woman with brains whose every move we folllowed? Then the internet allows for simple access to pornography and young girls are made to feel it's a normal thing to watch and way to view women. No wonder boys and girls today have distorted views of one another. I feel that it's the girls who are suffering those by attempting to sexualise themselves in order to be interesting
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