Male vs Female Gender Roles

Paper Summary:

The paper defines gender roles as behaviors and ways that are socially constructed and culturally regarded as appropriately male or female. These roles are first learned through interaction with primary care givers and peers. The paper comments that in the American culture, the traditional male gender role requires men and boys to avoid behaviors, which display emotions and affections. The paper also comments that modern gender roles have released the American woman from just being a homemaker. Her rights have increased as a result of many years of picketing and representations. The paper then continues and highlights the difference in gender roles in American and African women.

From the Paper:

"Wife battering is also common. The United Nations reported that approximately 66-80% of Africa's farm work is done by women. Girls are at a definite disadvantage to boys in Africa's chauvinist society. Girls must drop out of school in favor of boys when resources are low. African women have proved that they can be leaders in their community as they are in their respective homes. They have demonstrated their capability as channels of economic empowerment. In comparison, many African men have, in fact, been unable to provide the same leadership and capability because of laziness or indifference. Their natural capabilities and willingness to respond to the task are, however, economically constrained because African men or husbands stubbornly remain the decision-makers of the home."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Blakie. Gender Roles and Degrading Women in America. Associated Content: The People's Media Company, November 15 2005
• Burnham-Smith, Denise. Counseling Men: the Effects of Gender role. Education Resources Information Center: University of Southern Maine, 1996
• Bwakali, David John. Gender Inequality in Africa. Contemporary Review: Contemporary Review Company Ltd., 2001

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