User:AmandaD2/Role Model

The Importance of Role Models for Children

Role models are visible in the process of child and personal development, through shaping a person's morals, aspirations, and even confidence level. Role models can have either a positive or negative influence on children, depending on what they are promoting. However, many studies have shown that positive relationships with a role model is associated with higher levels of certain traits, such as "elevated self-esteem, performance in school, and resilience". Role models, similar to mentors, have also proven to reduce risky behavior in adolescents.

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. 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.

The Impact of Role Models on Young Girls

Role models play an impactful role in shaping the aspirations, self-perceptions, and attitudes of girls, particularly when they intend to challenge traditional gender norms. Positive role models, especially women in male dominated fields, such as STEM, can inspire the younger generation of women to expand their understandings of what is possible for them to achieve. According to a study conducted by Laurie T. O'Brien, middle school girls who interacted with competent and enthusiastic female scientists reported a greater sense of belonging in STEM fields.

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​.

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 women 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.

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.