Researchers at Nelogy explored how stereotypes linked to International Women’s Day shape everyday life and attitudes, revealing that both men and women often share similar frustrations. The study, conducted with socialbites.ca, highlights how cultural expectations color daily perceptions even in diverse and modern societies. It aims to understand how stereotypes influence behavior, emotions, and conversations about gender roles across generations and regions, offering a nuanced view of where traditional scripts still guide daily interactions while people pursue greater equality. The focus extends beyond a single holiday to routine moments when gender norms surface, from family life to workplace conversations, school settings to social networks, showing how these scripts shape choices and actions in ordinary, day-to-day contexts. It emphasizes that views about gender are not isolated events but parts of a broader cultural fabric that shapes how people relate to one another across age groups, communities, and local customs.
Across the survey, 2,642 participants were included, with about three-quarters identifying as women and one-quarter as men. A clear pattern emerged: strong concerns about the idea that men should handle household tasks only on March 8 and about the belief that a woman without a child does not deserve congratulations. These views appear connected to enduring cultural scripts around family duties and celebration norms, even as broader social norms shift toward greater equality and shared responsibilities. The results reveal a tension between long-standing expectations and contemporary perspectives on fairness, power sharing, and collaboration, experienced by both genders and across age groups in multiple regions. The data also show how family routines, care responsibilities, and social rituals intersect with professional life, influencing decisions about time, roles, and personal aspirations. In daily life, conversations about childcare, chores, and personal milestones often reflect the push and pull between tradition and modern lifestyles, creating moments of negotiation within households, workplaces, and communities. This blend of old and new ideas demonstrates why dialogue on gender roles remains essential for progress while acknowledging that change happens at different speeds for different people and places.
The data also demonstrate that nearly half of male respondents (45%) feel uneasy about being expected to perform traditional “female” tasks all day, signaling a desire for a more balanced distribution of household and caregiving duties. Among women, a sizable segment — 53% — express discomfort with pressures to adjust personal appearance or behavior to fit predefined gender norms, such as adopting a more feminine presentation, wearing skirts more often, or smiling more to meet external expectations. These responses illustrate an ongoing conversation about autonomy, self-expression, and the evolving meaning of femininity in everyday life. The survey highlights how stereotypes constrain both men and women, shaping everyday choices in relationships, work, and social interactions beyond the holiday itself. It also suggests that people increasingly resist rigid scripts by seeking practical ways to share responsibilities, advocate for workplace policies that support flexibility, and celebrate diverse expressions of identity within families and communities. The broader takeaway is a growing insistence on respect for individual preferences, with recognition that empowerment comes from choosing what fits each person, not from conforming to a single ideal. This shift is evident in how households renegotiate chores, how schools address gender expectations in curricula, and how social circles encourage authentic self-representation across different environments.
Additionally, exactly half of participants (50%) see potential benefits in recognizing an International Men’s Day in Russia. Of these supporters, 17% view it as a new holiday in itself, 18% see it as a platform to address men’s contemporary issues, and 15% hope that such a day could contribute to greater gender balance in society. These reflections point to a broader dialogue about inclusive experiences and a focus on equality over competition. The findings emphasize that the push for balanced norms involves not only women’s visibility on International Women’s Day but also a wider awareness of men’s health, responsibilities, and social expectations. The study stresses the importance of open dialogue where both sides acknowledge shared responsibilities and celebrate progress while remaining mindful of persisting stereotypes that shape daily life. In this sense, the conversation about gender roles moves beyond specific dates and becomes part of ongoing efforts to create healthier, more equitable routines in homes, workplaces, and communities. The results encourage policymakers, educators, and employers to consider how rituals, media representations, and social norms influence mood, motivation, and participation in everyday tasks. By embracing inclusive approaches and practical changes, societies can reduce double standards and support individuals in pursuing personal goals without fear of judgment or stigma.