The Changing Role of Men

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the role of men within the family and society has changed over the past two decades. The paper gives a brief history of men's traditional role, based both on physical stature and societal expectations. The author then examines the impact of the feminist movement and men taking on more traditionally female roles in the workplace and at home. The author acknowledges that some men may not be accepted for accepting non-traditional jobs and roles at home. The author concludes that men need to discover for themselves how best to bridge the gap between traditional expectations and current social acceptance.

From the Paper:

"What most people consider the traditional roles of the American man seem to be rooted in the generations of the two World Wars (Lindsay, 2005). Lindsay (2005) describes the role of the "Great American Alpha Male" as "husband, breadwinner, father and warrior" who "returned from saving the world to two-car garages and suburban malaise" (p. 1). Such men had the identity of male made for them and knew what was expected of them. They completed their education, fought in the wars of their country, settled down with a wife as soon as they could support one, and raised a family. Once married, they stay married. They provided for their family under nearly all circumstances and protected them from harsh societal issues and world events. (Lindsay, 2005). This is clearly not today's man."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brescoll, V., & Uhlmann, E. (2005). Attitudes toward traditional and nontraditional parents. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 29(4), 436-445. Retrieved Monday, December 11, 2006 from the Academic Search Premier database.
• Lindsay, G. (2005, June). Man vs. man: Did marketing kill the great american alpha male? Advertising Age, 76, p.1.
• Macionis, J.J. (2000). Society: The basics. Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Soroka, M.P., & Bryjak, G.J. (1995). Social problems: A world at risk. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
• Watts Jr., R., & Borders, L. (2005). Boys' Perceptions of the Male Role: Understanding Gender Role Conflict in Adolescent Males. Journal of Men's Studies, 13(2), 267-280. Retrieved Monday, December 11, 2006 from the Academic Search Premier database.

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