11/2023
Goodbye Homogeneity and Binaries – The Megatrend of Gender Shift
The Future Institute has defined 12 Megatrends that serve as a model for changing our world. Megatrends influence our society, institutions, companies and individuals and therefore serve as the basis for important decisions in business, politics and on a personal level.
In this blog post, we talk about the megatrend Gender shift. This megatrend deals with how traditional gender roles of men and women are losing their commitment and significance in society. Gender no longer determines a person's fate and allows them to find new individuality and freedom in life. Changing role models and broken stereotypes lead to pluralistic change in cultural society and economy.
Part of the Megatrend of Gender Shift Includes the Following Four Future Propositions:
- The Social Relevance of Gender Roles
As gender roles lose their significance, family structures and traditional divisions of labor between men and women are changing. More mothers are pursuing careers, while fathers are increasingly taking parental leave or working part-time, shaping lives beyond outdated stereotypes. - Diversity Becomes the Norm
Feminism continues to expand, creating more room for the gender shift. We’ll see more women in leadership positions, while the concept of "toxic masculinity" will face increasing criticism and lose its influence. The worlds of business and politics will become more diverse and inclusive. - Gender Awareness
Biases are being increasingly uncovered, fostering a broader awareness of gender. Technologies and big data will play a crucial role in combating prejudice and advancing inclusivity. - Identity Beyond Gender
Driven by the younger generations, structures, products, services, and communication (such as in marketing) will need to adapt.
The megatrend of gender shift and its future propositions highlight that while gender remains a vital aspect of identity, it is receding into the background thanks to greater awareness and the breakdown of stereotypes.
This transformation demands openness and understanding for others. To navigate and shape this change constructively, the targeted development of emotional skills—DeepSkills—is essential. Companies, too, must establish the right structures, foster a culture of open communication and inclusivity, and develop these emotional capabilities. Diversity in the workplace is, and will continue to be, a key factor for sustainable success.
Relevant DeepSkills for the Megatrend of Gender Shift Include:
- Learning & Unlearning
This means letting go of entrenched ideas and mindsets to adapt flexibly to changing conditions with new approaches and actions. - Promoting Diversity & Inclusion
This includes understanding what diversity and inclusion mean for companies, how to establish and practice them, and how both employees and organizations benefit from new perspectives.
Many other emotional skills are valuable here. The gender shift megatrend is fundamentally about one thing: people, as individuals. To honor everyone’s identity, shed outdated structures, and ensure equality, we need sensitivity, empathy, and shared goals. Emotional skills help us understand one another and grow together through change.
It’s essential to consciously invest in and sustainably strengthen these skills.
If you’d like to learn more about DeepSkills and our tailored learning programs for your organization, connect with our People Development Manager, Laura Kottwitz, to identify the right DeepSkills for your company. Book a Demo Today.