Product Code Database
A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success serves as a model to be emulated by others, especially by younger people. The term role model is credited to sociologist Robert K. Merton, (2025). 9780231151122, Columbia UP. ISBN 9780231151122 who hypothesized that individuals compare themselves with of people who occupy the social role to which the individual aspires, an example of which is the way young fans may idolize and imitate professional athletes or entertainment artists.
In the second half of the twentieth century, U.S. advocates for workplace equity popularized the term and concept of role models as part of a larger social capital lexicon—which also includes terms such as glass ceiling, personal network, mentorship, and gatekeeper—serving to identify and address the problems barring non-dominant groups from professional success. Mainstream business literature subsequently adopted the terms and concepts, promoting them as pathways to success for all career climbers. In 1970 these terms were not in the general American vocabulary; by the mid-1990s they had become part of everyday speech. Although the term role model has been criticized more recently as "outdated", the term and its associated responsibility remains prominent in the public consciousness as a commonly used phrase, and a "powerful presence" in the Show business and media.
Role models can also be national. for example, Chilean politicians and intellectuals had France as the prime role model during much of the 19th century until they shifted to Germany in the last decades of the century. In short, a role model is a person looked to by others as an example to be imitated.
Parent role models also significantly influence a person's "education and training aspirations, task self-efficacy, and expectancy for an entrepreneurial career".Robert F. Scherer, et al. "Role Model Performance Effects on Development of Entrepreneurial Career Preference." Entrepreneurship: Theory & Practice 13.3 (1989): 53-71.
Certain behaviors practiced by role models in an adolescent's life, can usually be seen replicated by that adolescent—due to the higher standard that the child holds their role model(s) to . Cite this article as: Atif H, Peck L, Connolly M, et al. (July 27, 2022) The Impact of Role Models, Mentors, and Heroes on Academic and Social Outcomes in Adolescents. Cureus 14(7): e27349. doi:10.7759/cureus.27349 One of the most commonly cited role models by children are their family members - because of the positive attributes that they are constantly exposed to.
Without these types of figures, to rely on through observational learning, during child development can result in ill decision-making skills, or even a lacking sense of self later down the road.
Role Models play a part into younger children with their aspirations of a career choice. The HarvardKennedySchool conducted research on how the influence of role models for students interested in STEM, to which students agreed that their choice of who their role model reflected back with how they correlate and identify with their pick. The importance is underscored within the assumption that exposing children to gender counter-stereotypical role models can challenge their gendered aspirations.
In media, the portrayal of strong, independent female characters such as Disney Princesses, also influences girl's actions and perceptions of gender roles. Cartoons like Elsa and Mulan challenge traditional depictions of femininity by instead focusing on themes like bravery and independence as opposed to the typical portrayal of the beautiful, love interest princess. These portrayals encourage girls to embrace diverse qualities and pursue their personal ambitions, thereby fostering a sense of empowerment and resilience.Singer, Nermeen (2023). "The Power of Princesses: How Disney's Female Characters Shape Girls' Identities". Research Square. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
It is also important to note how within the younger generation of girl's the influence of in Disney Princesses on them, Mulan as an example, struggles with her identity, moments within the song "Reflection", she questions societal exceptions that were placed upon her. In the movie she wipes off her makeup and transforms from a potential bride into a warrior. Mulan disobeys the stereotypical role assigned to her as a woman and continues with her journey by empowering the message that it's okay to not conform into these social norms through encouraging individuals to embrace their true identities.
Within the 1950 version of Cinderella, there is discussion about the challenge of gender stereotypes. Cinderella shows a gentle side through the treatment she gets from her step-mother and step-sisters. Throughout her story she is treated like a housewife even if she doesn't agree with how she has to live. However, on the deeper level when it comes to appearance body dysmorphia comes into play. Towards the end of the movie, when her Prince Charming goes around the whole kingdom with her lost slipper trying to find his true love. Within recent perspectives as of 2021, children may be negatively affected by watching these older Disney movies, believing that being a princess is having to fit the weight criteria or that their personal family will be as perfect as they are within the movie(s).
However the impact of role models is nuanced. While short term exposure to non-traditional female role models can help reduce gender stereotypes in certain situations, it does not always translate to sustained changes in behavior or career aspirations. Studies like one done by Frontiers in Psychology show that lasting influence requires ongoing engagement and support, such as mentorship programs.Ollson, Maria; Martiny, Sarah (2018). "Does Exposure to Counterstereotypical Role Models Influence Girls' and Women's Gender Stereotypes and Career Choices? A Review of Social Psychological Research". Frontiers in Psychology. Retrieved September 30, 2024.
On the other hand, of things, researchers observed same-sex role models in the same job field foster gender-congruent aspirations and behavior. This learning process leads children to adopt gender-stereotypical knowledge which later on influences their aspirations to align with traditional gender roles (e.g., women aspiring to take care of individuals, men being represented into typical leadership positions). The research also found that children who are exposed to gender-incongruent roles such as male kindergarten teachers, or female scientists then this can challenger traditional gender norms. Individuals who are defy to gender stereotypes reduce the impact of gender stereotyping within children, in the end leads to stereotypical aspirations and behaviors.
/ref>
See also
|
|
