Men really ARE from Mars: Gender stereotypes still strong today despite rise of feminism

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The 2014 figures also showed that men were more likely to believe gender stereotypes about male gender role behaviours, while women were more likely to believe stereotypes about female

gender role behaviours.

Dr Haines added: "Previous research has shown that many gender differences are small or inconsistent yet the current study finds that people exaggerate the extent to which men and women are

different from one another.

"People may perceive strong differences between men and women for two reasons. First, unconscious bias may distort the way in which people perceive and thus remember gender atypical

behaviour as more stereotypical that it actually was.

"Second, the genders may curtail cross gender behaviour for fear that they may incur backlash that is typically directed at atypical men and women - such as wimpy men or powerful women."

The researchers recommend that those in advising or therapeutic roles be aware of how gender stereotypes can affect the goals of their advisees and clients, even among those who express

egalitarian beliefs.

For those who hire employees and give performance evaluations, the researchers recommend increased awareness of gender stereotypes and the elimination of gendered criteria on job

descriptions.

The researchers also recommend that leaders of organisations consider the potential gender cues they emit, which may enable stereotypes to persist, discourage men and women from entering a

particular field, and affect employee performance.

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