The concept of masculinity and femininity is known as Gender, and the Gender Roles are the traits, expectations, and behaviors associated with men and women and what is means to be “masculine” or “feminine” (Bem, 152), whereas Sex is the biological characteristic on which the gender is built. There are a variety of roles for male and female and it is difficult to specifically define a role for the genders as it is traditionally defined; though there are cultural differences. The changing roles in the society are not only threatening for the male who dominates the society in higher percentage, but also to the women who have accepted more outdated roles and view any modifications as a threat. We can find a lot of proof that since the birth of a new born, the girls and boys are treated differently, and this tradition is followed in every culture. The society perceives a male and a female in a different view altogether that has caused to create a vast difference in the gender roles, and this thought has been changing with time, due to the fact that people take a lot of time understanding the concepts of gender roles.
Being a woman my wishes were suppressed by limiting the options that led me to nervousness, and anxiety. I was prevented from gaining the same kind of education given to opposite gender. Though this approach has seen a drastic change now, there are still inequalities in the society and the opportunities offered to women are far less than the opportunities given to men. Women have encountered these inequalities at the workplace, at home, and in every aspect of their existence. The differences in the upbringings must stop at home with the support of parents and they must not discriminate between a boy and a girl. The society sees that the women must be at home and take care of house hold chores and men are required to work and look after the financial needs of the family.
As stated earlier, the public opinions will change at a slow pace than the reality of gender roles. These views will continue to change slowly as long as we continue educating children with the same sexual stereotypes that they deserve. The differentiation in the gender roles must be addressed from the birth of the child and the parents must teach a different view of gender and sexual roles with never ending support from the school.
Works Cited
Bem, S L. The Lenses of Gender. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press. (1993). Print
