Research by New York University found primary school girls believe qualities such as brilliance and intelligence are male traits.
Male and female pupils were read a story about an intelligent person and later asked to guess the character's gender; most girls, as well as boys, thought the character was male.
The findings were questioned by a Christian psychologist who, while acknowledging gender stereotypes remain an issue, said males are increasingly being affected.
Louise Kadayer said demands by women for equality have, in some cases, been replaced by the idea women can be better than men.
Kadayer told Premier's News Hour women and young girls find a lot of support in their churches, adding: "I think we really got on the bandwagon to support women but I think that all humans need to be supported.
"We have loads of women's ministries - if you look at women's conferences, women's gatherings, you don't really see that as much for men which is a real shame."
Kadayer added that it is important to teach both boys and girls that they are valuable.
"We often live up to what is expected of us. We need to get rid of the rhetoric that "boys will be boys" and "girls will be girls".
"It's just dangerous language, really. They are both have different strengths and weaknesses and we need to learn to respect each other."
Click here to listen to Louise Kadayer speaking with Premier's Alex Williams: