Women have lower self esteem than men. Discuss how personal attitudes can affect or promote self-esteem, citing two (2) specific examples for each gender
I disagree with your beginning statement.
http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-power-women/201001/the-truth-about-women-and-self-esteem
I'll be glad to critique your examples.
The statement that women have lower self-esteem than men is a generalization, and it is important to recognize that individuals' experiences vary greatly. Self-esteem is influenced by a myriad of factors, including personal attitudes and societal expectations. Let's discuss how personal attitudes can impact self-esteem and provide specific examples for both genders.
Personal attitudes play a significant role in shaping individuals' self-esteem. These attitudes are often learned through socialization, experiences, and internal beliefs. Positive attitudes can promote self-esteem, while negative attitudes can hinder it. Here are two examples for each gender:
Women:
1. Self-compassion: Women who practice self-compassion tend to have higher self-esteem. This involves treating oneself with kindness and understanding when faced with failure or setbacks. For example, a woman who views a failed project as a learning opportunity rather than a reflection of her worth is likely to maintain a higher level of self-esteem compared to someone who self-criticizes and diminishes her achievements.
2. Body positivity: Women who have a positive attitude towards their bodies, despite societal pressures and ideals, are more likely to have higher self-esteem. This involves accepting and appreciating one's body regardless of its conformity to societal beauty standards. For instance, a woman who values her body for its strength and functionality, rather than focusing on its appearance, may have higher self-esteem than someone constantly engaging in negative self-talk about her physical attributes.
Men:
1. Emotional expression: Men who adopt an attitude that promotes emotional expression are often found to have higher self-esteem. This involves challenging societal expectations of masculinity that discourage emotional vulnerability. For example, a man who acknowledges and expresses his emotions, whether it's sadness, fear, or joy, without feeling the need to suppress them may have higher levels of self-esteem compared to someone who adheres strictly to traditional masculine norms that discourage emotional openness.
2. Achievement-oriented mindset: Men who possess an achievement-oriented mindset tend to have higher self-esteem. This involves setting goals and working towards them, deriving satisfaction from personal achievements. For instance, a man who values personal growth, sets realistic goals, and celebrates his accomplishments, no matter how small, is likely to maintain higher self-esteem compared to someone who constantly feels inadequate because they perceive they have not achieved enough.
It's important to note that these examples are not definitive or exclusive to any gender. Personal attitudes and their impact on self-esteem can vary greatly amongst individuals. It is crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and avoid making blanket statements about self-esteem levels based solely on gender.