Grant Parker

Professor Mia Eaker

ENGL 1102
7 April 2014
Can We Progress Past Definitions?
We live in the most progressive society in the history of the world. Here in
America one can freely choose his or her religion, political opinion, and not worry about
their race. We are almost to the point where ones sexuality isnt even questioned. But one
thing our society is still obsessed with is gender roles. From the time a child is born they
are taught what is for boys and what is for girls. Boys are put in blue blankets, girls in
pink. Boys and girls are taught how to dress according to sex and studies show that by
age 3 children can identify a boy job like a fireman or business executive from a girls
job like a maid or cheerleader. These gender roles start at birth however, as adults we
keep these gender stereotypes alive. Even though we are a progressive society, men and
women are pressured by the opposite sex and their peers to fulfill these stereotypes or
fear not being accepted.
This problem is especially significant for men who are trained that they must be
the dominant, masculine figure in order to be accepted by not only other men but by the
opposite sex (Smith). Men and women often revert to masculine and feminine roles when
meeting as a natural way to attract the opposite sex (Ickes). Men will often become
showy and tough, while women may act helpless or nave. Men who do not fulfill their
masculine role or who may display a higher level of femininity are likely to be
questioned or looked over by the opposite sex and rejected by their peers. Many
progressive males may feel that it is unfair that they are judged by society for displaying
a level of femininity. They wonder why a female can fill masculine stereotypes like being
aggressive, serving in dominant leadership positions, be tough, and much more without
being judged or ridiculed; while men who are more timid, passive and feminine are
judged and put down.
Feminist women have their own opinions on gender roles; however, feminists
have a more vocal view. Many feminists disagree with the argument that women can get
away with being masculine. In fact they argue that women are trained to be obedient,
timid and feminine. From the age of three children can recognize which jobs men
dominate and which women dominate. Many of the jobs that children recognize as
female positions are positions where the job is to serve or work under a man, like, a nurse
or secretary. Feminists believe that women are automatically put at a disadvantage
because of this upbringing and fear that women who choose to be dominate and
masculine can be seen as controlling or bossy.
Adolescent children also have an opinion of gender roles affect of society. This
group is at a point in their life were they are put through a lot of peer pressure and when
gender roles become a major staple of that peer pressure. Young men are at the age were
society begins to deem it unacceptable for them to act feminine. They now must begin to
man up and fit in. This is unfair because they do not get to decide how their body
matures and they may feel uncomfortable in a masculine role. They are not allowed to be
timid, petite, or talk in a high-pitched voice without judgment.
Many people have their opinions on gender roles; why they are fair, why they are
unfair, why we need to have them, why we could do without them. A lot of research has
shown that although gender stereotypes attract mates to one another they can also drive
relationships apart (Ickes). Society will continue to progress and whether or not gender
roles will diminish or stay the same is unknown but we can all agree that they have their
flaws.












Works Cited
Ickes, William. "Traditional Gender Roles: Do They Make, and Then Break, Our
Relationships?" Journal of Social Issues. 49.3 (1993): 71-85. Print
Smith, Rachel M., et al. "Deconstructing Hegemonic Masculinity: The Roles Of
Antifemininity, Subordination To Women, And Sexual Dominance In MenS
Perpetration Of Sexual Aggression." Psychology Of Men & Masculinity (2014):
PsycINFO. Web. 28 Mar. 2014.