Gender Roles

[Scheherazade]

Do you think gender roles are still relevant or necessary?

How do they affect us?

[OrphanPip]

I don't think gender roles disappear they just change with culture and time. I think in Western society they have become broader and more accommodating, but they're still there. We still expect women and men to act within certain parameters.

[JuniperWoolf]

I had a trans-gender English teacher one time who taught me a lot about this issue. I'll comment more as the discussion goes on.

[Paulclem]

There's still a perception of particular roles for certain jobs. I'm thinking of Primary School Teachers where most of them are female. There's no barrier to male teachers working in this area, but there may be the perception that you are more under suspicion as a paedophile by the men themselves.

I worked with a Primary school deputy once who commented that he liked the older Primary School kids because you can do more with them.

[Virgil]

I don't think gender roles disappear they just change with culture and time. I think in Western society they have become broader and more accommodating, but they're still there. We still expect women and men to act within certain parameters.

I think that's about right. Gender roles exist, but are mutable with varying conditions. I would add circumstance as well to culture and time to O-P's statement. I think people trapped on a deserted island (a bit of a cliche, I know) are going to gravitate to fundemental male and female roles. A warrior society dictates certain roles while that same society settled into an extended period of peace will have other roles.

[TheFifthElement]

There's still a perception of particular roles for certain jobs. I'm thinking of Primary School Teachers where most of them are female. There's no barrier to male teachers working in this area, but there may be the perception that you are more under suspicion as a paedophile by the men themselves.

I think perception is a good word to use when talking about gender roles, whether specifically related to careers or otherwise. Primary school teaching is a particular issue, the converse side of which is that there is a perception that being a male primary school teacher is a one way ticket to a Head Teacher role. It's a shame either way; I'd like to see more balance there.

By the way, love your Dwayne Dibbly avatar. My hero!

[dizzydoll]

I fancy gender roles. I love to see a man hold up to his end as a gentleman and there is nothing better than to see a woman act like a lady. I praise men who open doors for women. And every man who stands up when a women enters the room is definitely noticed by all women in that room. Men on the other hand will mock him for being so polite, they dont count... this one's the womans' call and she will never forget him with such mannerliness.

[applepie]

Gender roles still exist in some way shape or form everywhere. Society dictates, the rules, but I think that there will always be a difference in the things men and women do or are expected to do. Even within my own home gender roles have been placed by both myself and my children't definition of things Mommy does. When they're hurt, hungry, tired, sick, etc they're all mine. When they wish to play, they are all their Dad's. It isn't like I don't wish to play with them and he doesn't wish to cuddle them when they're sick, but we still fall into the stereotypical gender roles within our home.

[motherhubbard]

I fancy gender roles. I love to see a man hold up to his end as a gentleman and there is nothing better than to see a woman act like a lady. I praise men who open doors for women. And every man who stands up when a women enters the room is definitely noticed by all women in that room. Men on the other hand will mock him for being so polite, they dont count... this one's the womans' call and she will never forget him with such mannerliness.

I'm with you. My husband stands when I enter the room and it's very nice. My boys always hold the door for women. If there is a man who should have held the door my boys will look at them like they are shocked and ashamed and most men lower their heads ashamed.

I don't mind being the lady of the house or my husband being the head of the house. In fact, I rather like it. Gender roles are pretty closely adhered to in my family and I believe that has greatly contributed to the happiness and success of my marriage. It helps that I chose a wonderful man who loves me.

[Jozanny]

Disability changes gender notions very very quickly, especially for those comforted by conventional stereotypes of gentlemen and ladies. These are fictions, good for movie stars and romance. Men are biologically modified females, and how much the same we are is evident before puberty and then into old age.

[Babyguile]

I'm with you. My husband stands when I enter the room and it's very nice. My boys always hold the door for women. If there is a man who should have held the door my boys will look at them like they are shocked and ashamed and most men lower their heads ashamed.

I don't mind being the lady of the house or my husband being the head of the house. In fact, I rather like it. Gender roles are pretty closely adhered to in my family and I believe that has greatly contributed to the happiness and success of my marriage. It helps that I chose a wonderful man who loves me.

And what of women holding doors for women and men holding doors for men? I'd much rather see people showing this level on consideration to eathother regardless of gender.

I had a trans-gender English teacher one time who taught me a lot about this issue. I'll comment more as the discussion goes on.

I'll be reading what you say eagerly I'm quite jealous that you have had the opportunity to discuss with your teacher it must have been very enlightening.

[papayahed]

And what of women holding doors for women and men holding doors for men? I'd much rather see people showing this level on consideration to eathother regardless of gender.

Reminds me of an ex-coworker. He held the door open for me one day but quickly informed me that he held the door open because I was carrying boxes not because I was a woman because that would be sexist as he doesn't hold the door for male coworkers.

[BienvenuJDC]

Gender roles still exist in some way shape or form everywhere. Society dictates, the rules, but I think that there will always be a difference in the things men and women do or are expected to do. Even within my own home gender roles have been placed by both myself and my children't definition of things Mommy does. When they're hurt, hungry, tired, sick, etc they're all mine. When they wish to play, they are all their Dad's. It isn't like I don't wish to play with them and he doesn't wish to cuddle them when they're sick, but we still fall into the stereotypical gender roles within our home.

I agree. No matter how sensitive I am, the girls want mommy in certain situations. As much as I try to be mommy when she is working, there are limitations...more than the obvious too....

[motherhubbard]

And what of women holding doors for women and men holding doors for men? I'd much rather see people showing this level on consideration to eathother regardless of gender.

Well of course, Silly! We should all hold the door for others. However, when all else is equal a man should get the door for a woman. It's not unusual for my husband to walk me to the car just to get the door. He was raised in a time and area where that kind of thing was expected of a man. But I don't think that has a lot to do with gender roles, it's just courtesy. When a baby is born, someone dies, or someone is ill you carry food to the family. When you neighbor needs help with the kids you watch them. In the winter you cut wood and in the summer you mow lawns for the elderly. There are shut-ins to visit and phone calls to check on people to make. These things are just like standing when a woman enters the room. I'm very proud to live in an area where these courtesies are still observed. I see that many young people are less likely to consider the needs of others and I think it may be our undoing.

I think gender roles have more to do with our place in society. Can I hold a position of authority over a man? Should I have to have my husband's signature before I can borrow money or open a bank account? Does my husband have the right to tell me that I can't keep a job and will instead tend to matters of the home? These are what I would call gender role issues.

[The Comedian]

Gender roles for all!

Or if that doesn't suit you. . . .

Gender roles for none!

Or if that doesn't suit you. . . .

Gender roles for some and no gender roles for others!