By: Megan Plevniak
How many times in society have you heard statements like “That’s the wife’s job,” or “Get a man to do it?” Have you encountered remarks like “Boys aren’t supposed to play with dolls,” “Stop crying like a girl,” “Toughen up,” “Boys don’t cry,” “That isn’t a woman’s job” or “Pink is just for girls”? Another superfluous remark that has been made is “You aren’t masculine enough,” or “You aren’t feminine enough.” Society has shaped the expectations for men and women, dictating what toys are suitable for girls and boys, which careers are deemed appropriate for each gender, and the roles they should take on in their lives.
Gender roles are social constructs that have developed over time and are influenced by society and culture. Many cultures continue to uphold specific gender roles and beliefs even in today’s world. Gender roles and stereotypes are typically centered around conceptions of masculinity and femininity. Historically, men were expected to be the breadwinners, engaging actively in politics and business, whereas women were expected to stay at home, attending to their responsibilities of taking care of children, cooking, and cleaning.
Gender roles began to shift in the late 19th century—primarily due to the Industrial Revolution which led to more women entering the workforce. As factories emerged, the demand for female laborers increased, resulting in a transformation of societal dynamics. A significant element that contributed to the change in gender roles is the impact of Karl Marx’s socialist ideas. Karl Marx advocated for equality among genders and motivated many women to challenge traditional gender roles.
In contemporary society social norms and ideals have evolved significantly. People’s views and attitudes towards gender norms have improved. Society is becoming more open and embracing diversity as we challenge the stigma surrounding it—this includes the LGBTQ+ community. Numerous individuals within the LGBTQ+ community encounter challenges related to gender roles and stereotypes, frequently facing judgment from others.
As a member of this community, I wrestled with my sense of identity for numerous years—often surrendering to the internal conflict of whether to present myself as more masculine or feminine. I have been in a wonderful relationship with my girlfriend for a little over 10 years. I have received remarks from others including comments such as, “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” and “You are too feminine or too attractive to be a lesbian.” Once again society has let us down. Some perspectives from the 19th century continue to be evident today.
Regardless of whether you are in a same-sex or opposite-sex relationship, individuals encounter comparable challenges, including determining the primary breadwinner, the responsibilities for cooking and cleaning, and the roles of stay-at-home parents. In my present relationship, we view each other as equals. It is our job in society to break the stigma of gender norms.
Throughout history, an examination of society reveals that significant advancements have been made when we compare society from the past to today’s generation. We have progressed in society by learning to be less judgmental, keeping an open mind, and embracing others for who they are. The best approach to tackling the stigma is to be yourself. It is essential not to allow societal pressures or the opinions of others to dictate who you are. Embrace your life by living it with your intentions and desires with confidence, pride, and bravery. This is your life.