Observations are means of gathering and studying information on activity; how they behave, what they do and what happens. In essence, open spaces allow people to meet presumably on impartial ground unexpected and intended ways, to network with others within the perspective of the whole society. As the gender, roles change over time with advances in technology, education, and cultural interactions roles of both men and women are going through a series of transformations in the society to accommodate these changes. Roles preserved for certain gender in the past can be carried out comfortably by any of them nowadays. The paper shall discuss how behavior conforms to gender expectations.
How Behavior Conforms To Gender Expectations
However, times are changing, conformity to roles and responsibilities as man or woman is also changing but at a slow rate (Minds, 2012). Roles are also divided depending how efficient a specific gender can do; since it structures both sex differences and similarities. Gender roles influence behavior through biological and social processes and; thus, people respond differently when people conform to their gender expectations.
Today, roles and responsibilities have become more flexible, and conformity to certain roles is no longer rigid as it was in the past (Change, 2010). Women are slowly taking up roles that were initially dominated by men. As we peer through the social media and media broadcasts, women are becoming very dynamic in the job market. For instance, women are taking very powerful leadership roles such as the presidency, something that was unheard of until recently.
In the past decade, women in science and technology were few, and none was present until late 19th century (Change, 2010). However, scientific institutions are promoting and sponsoring women to join scientific institutions because it is believed that they have the same intellectual capacities as their male counterparts. Nowadays there are women astronauts, physicists, mathematicians; geologists among other fields that were male dominated.
Conformity issues are still a question of debate because it is feared that as women become empowered through education and social mobilizations, they will become rebellious and out of control. Men fear that in future women will become out of control because they might not balance responsibility and power. Family structures are also changing, and some single-parent households are on the rise. Men are taking up the role of childcare and parenting on their own without the help of women. The society is experiencing the rapid change in the social structures, and it might not be so long before anyone can perform efficiently without the help of the other when it comes to social responsibility for example parenting.
The way people dress, speak, eat, walk, and greet in public places clearly shows how social structures have changed. It is impossible to differentiate between a teenage boy and girl in school today because they dress almost in similar clothing (Minds, 2012). Women are wearing feminine suits while going to work illustrating that they still appreciate being feminine, and they still value dignity. Observation also revealed that, there is a certain tone that women are expected to use, and the same goes for the men. In the recent past, it is becoming easier and morally understandable if women use a certain tone and language when speaking. They are no longer conservative in language use as it was in the past.
According to Minds, women no longer depend on men to pay for their meals in hotels and sometimes they offer to buy meals for their male colleagues in the office (2012). Women are driving expensive cars evidence that they hold lucrative positions in businesses and government posts. Women own multi-million companies that are scattered worldwide, hence, proving to the society that men are no longer dominant species in the world of business. Males are also doing jobs that were initially perceived to be done only by women; for instance, hairdressing, tailoring, housekeeping, and cleaning among others.
Conformity to what society expects both genders to do is no longer a significant issue given that the world is becoming competitive, and everyone is fighting to survive. People go to the extremes to meet ends meet and bring food to the table (Minds, 2012). Women are getting in masonry work, and men are opting to model to raise income to meet their expenses and to fit into the capitalist society. Though society is becoming lenient on conformity issues, some cultures such as Muslim still conform to the roles and responsibilities as the society expects. Though times are changing they have preserved their culture and the gender roles are still clearly defined.
In conclusion, gender conformity cannot be overruled in the society because it still lays the very foundation of our social interactions and structures. Gender roles might become dynamic, but the society still requires that moral behavior and values remain a sound basis of our gender differences. Mutual respect and loyalty should still be maintained in the society.
References
Change, M. F. (2010). The Impact of Gender Role Stereotypes. Retrieved 03 22, 2012, from Media Awareness Network: http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/resources/educational/lessons/secondary/gender_portrayal/gender_impact.cfm
Minds, C. (2012). The need for Conformity . Retrieved, from Changing minds: http://changingminds.org/explanations/needs/conformity.htm
