How rigid are the norms and beliefs?

Activity title

How rigid are the norms and beliefs?

Overview

The following exercise shows participants how social norms and personal beliefs can evolve under different circumstances. It encourages the participants to discuss what factors/aspects/variables can influence social norms and personal beliefs. The exercise points out the influence of norms and beliefs on women’s position in society and the economy. Moreover, it invites the participants to discuss strategies on how social norms and beliefs can be changed to support equal participation of men and women in the economy.

Objectives

• to make participants aware of the influence of social norms and personal beliefs on human behaviours and the participation of women in the economy
• to enhance participants´ analytical and argumentation skills

Materials

• 2 figures
• flipchart, markers, post-its
• Internet

Time

In total 2 hrs

1/ Introduction to the topic, instructions, division of groups (15 min.)

2/ Group work (60 min.)

3/ Reflection (45 min.)

Group size

6-20 participants

Instructions for trainers

1. First introduce the participants into the topic and explain to them the overall idea of the exercise.
2. Divide participants into groups of 3-5 persons.
3. Let the participants read the instructions.
4. Follow the work of particular groups.
5. Let the participants reflect on the results of their work.

Instructions for participants

1. Read the introductory text:

“Some economists argue that investments into women economic empowerment do not have any long-term effect because it is very difficult to change human behaviours based on rigid social norms and personal beliefs.

One research on migrant communities in Sweden (Institutet för Framtidsstudier, 2019) showed that social norms might not be that rigid. The research compared answers of migrant communities living in Sweden (Iranians, Iraqis and Turks) to dominant beliefs in their country of origin. The research used World Value Survey questions to analyze beliefs such as as gender equality, homosexuality, abortion or divorce. As an example you can see two figures showing the differences in answers of Swedes and respondents from migrant communities compared with prevailing beliefs in their countries of origin (Iran, Iraq, Turkey). The figures show interesting results.”  

1. 1. Look at the following figures and discuss the questions:

• The data show that people from migrant communities have different beliefs related to participation of women and men in the economy and society compared to people from their countries of origin. What might be the reasons that are causing the changes in their views and beliefs?
• Can you name some of the beliefs that lead to an unequal position of women? What are the causes of such beliefs and what is needed to change them?
• Imagine that you would be responsible for preparing the content of a soft-landing course for migrant people from Iran coming to your country. What topics would you include in the course?

Debriefing and evaluation

Allow at least 45 min. for final debriefing and reflection. Firstly encourage the groups to share the results of their group work and discuss their arguments. After that you can also ask general questions evaluating the lessons learnt and the process.

 You can use the following questions:

• What new knowledge and information did you learn during this exercise?
• What did you enjoy most?
• What was difficult for you?
• How are you going to use the knowledge gained?

Tips for trainers

Challenges that might occur:

The participants might have different levels of knowledge and skills regarding the topic. Therefore, it is advisable to assess it beforehand and make sure that the groups are divided accordingly (pair more experienced with less experienced participants).

More on:

Towards Economic Literacy: http://economic-literacy.eu

Livani, Talajeh (2019). Promoting women’s economic empowerment: Mission impossible? Brookings. Available at: https://www.brookings.edu/blog/future-development/2019/10/28/promoting-womens-economic-empowerment-mission-impossible/