Social Gender Roles?
Since much of what is expected of us socially has come from religion, how much of it do we take for granted without considering the source?
It seems that there's a lot going on in society based on assumptions that "That's the man's job" or "The woman should do that", or worse; what it means if they don't participate in the expected role. My recently deceased brother did nearly all of the cooking in his household, while also working a full time job. His wife earned a much bigger paycheck, and often worked longer hours on the job.
I've seen questions here about whether a woman should ask for the first date, and others about social norms for grooming. And what about raising kids with those same expectations? FRankly, it pisses me off when I hear somebody say "like a girl" to shame a boy for performing poorly.
What are some gender based assumptions that you think should just go away?
Personally, I think women get the funnest clothes, but most of them wouldn't look good on men.
Girls don't skateboard. And if they do, you should stare at them. And make a fuss. Or scowl.
Fuck you. Nobody operates a skateboard with a penis.
(I'm admittedly a wee salty about this.)
Women bearing babies? Why science is so lacking behind in that one? Isn't it the turn for men? Come on science. Come on.
If you think that the rejection of religion affects gender roles, imagine how much more those who reject binary conceptions of gender change things. Gender roles kinda require both heterosexuality (or at least heteronormativity) and distinct binary genders. Hell this is part of why so many right wing christians are anti-trans.
btw @JustKip some men look BETTER than many women in women's clothes. Ever been to Thailand? You might end up switching teams!
This is good Kip. It concerns me when some men flounder about their 'identity' with todays fluid gender roles. They beat their chests, hate feminism and want women back in the kitchen. But they have missed the whole point. With the blurred gender roles it allows greater freedom for men as well as women. Men can be house husbands. They no longer have to feel inferior if they earn less money. They have a partner to share the burden of decision making, they have freedom to enter what was once considered feminine jobs like the caring professions, social work, support workers, kindergarten workers etc etc.
I'm so glad that men here are progressive thinkers. I'm beginning to think we should all form our own country.
After my wife became bedridden, I looked after her, our two grand children, and held down a part-time job (30 hrs/week). I'm told that I didn't do too badly but I really appreciate what "women's work" actually means. So if you are a man and someone tells you that you do something like a women, take it as a compliment.
Small tangent but this makes me think of gender specific marketing for products....I was reading something about "if your child wanted a toy meant for the opposite gender would you get it for them?" Which while I'd be all for it of course but you also have some douchebags...
So I posed the question what makes a toy for a boy or a girl? Further more what makes a product intended for a man or a woman(granted of course a penis pump or breast pump are probably gender specific) but other than that marketing for male or female seems entirely based on color...Of course red,blue and what have you is considered masculine and pink and purple feminine.....
Anytime I see a product marketed for women, the only difference from any other product of the same description is it's given a pink spray..Like I've seen guns and sets of tools that were "For her" and the only physical difference was a pink handle... So logically one could spray paint a Barbie doll red and all the sudden it'd be an action figure for a boy..Or paint a g.i. Joe pink and it's a baby doll..
It's curious how gender has become synonymous with color...
Granted I know this is a bit of a different track from the o.p but I find it an interesting addition to the subject.
I think they should all go away....every last one of them. :
almost all i would think and i only say almost all because i don't know if any serve society in a positive way though i doubt it and as a scotsman i get to wear a kilt which do look good on men and women equally
Every single one. I'm serious. I can't even think of a specific one to highlight. Just... all of them.
There’s theory and practice. In theory, I think men and women should behave and be treated as equals. In practice, I really, really like women who are easy on the eyes. Of course, both should receive equal pay for equal work, but in my work life I really preferred working with attractive women. Sorry if that offends anyone.
And if women felt the same way and only wanted to work with or be with an attractive man would you make the cut? Everyone has different ideas of what attractive is. I think if you are judging a woman solely by physical appearance you're missing out on many women who have lots to offer.
@HippieChick58 of course!
I read a meme that said;
Men must wear a coat and tie at all times and of a particular color dictated by the occasion. As usual, a woman is free to wear anything she deems appropriate for her appearance.
Menswear is so simple. There are some variations, but generally it is far easier for a man to get dressed for anything than it is for a woman. Menswear is generally better constructed, and cheaper than equal quality women's clothing. Women are judged to hell and back for what they wear. Men wear slacks and a shirt every day and no one blinks. Of course lots of this is marketing. I chose to turn off the fashion quest long ago. I wear what I like and don't follow fashion or trends. I am an anomaly, and I'm OK with that.
@HippieChick58 As well you should my dear and good for you.
All of them... All of them should go away. Wipe the board clean and let's start from scratch. We could probably do a lot better if we reworked or social constructs thoughtfully.
Really? Would you respect a woman who had dozens of partners, simply because she likes sex? See...there's the problem. Women who like sex are still struggling with that SLUT image.
@LucyLoohoo How many sex partners a woman, or a man, has will have no bearing on how I feel about her or him. I have always enjoyed sex and consider recreational sex just as valid a reason as any other. It is how one behaves and treats others that determines how I relate to them.
@jlynn37 I'd say you're remarkably free of gender-role expectation. Many men are not.
@LucyLoohoo One of my life mottos is;
You do you, I do me and let's strive to cause or do no harm.
@JustKip I didn't mean to give the impression that I judge women on their sexual experience. I do NOT! The question I asked was how men feel about it. I find that many of them SAY one thing...and think another. That's all.
@LucyLoohoo I would respect a woman, man, or anyone else based on their character, not their sexual history/propensity.
@LucyLoohoo Sure, in the 70's and 80's that was not that uncommon. We had great participation back then. It really was the good old days, at least that part of it. ☺