Gender Roles

Whether people want to face it or not, gender roles are still very prominent in todays society. Women are supposed to carry out the household duties, cook, clean, care for the children, and adhere to her husband. Husbands are "supposed to" work all day and just come home to their loving wife. As a result stereotypes and generalizations are made. Women may be seen as weaker and less competent. However men may be viewed as the stronger and more competent one, but yet they are shown as pathetic characters who can't cook. (as shown in the botton right picture)



Though the three images are portrayed from a more western point of view, the stereotypes occur worldwide. Girls and boys are raised a certain way to fit the criteria a culture sets out for them and it is very unusual for a girl to assume a boy's job and vice versa. The story of Mulan especially stands out because she crossed the border of the perfect young lady she was supposed to become. Some women from strict cultures, such as the Chinese, don't fit the glove. Even though customs demand it, not all Chinese girls want to be that perfect daughter who acts, dresses, and serves to the men like a lady. Thankfully, the stereotypes have subsided a bit. They are still very prominent in today's society all over the world, but at least the situation has improved. At least it is acceptable for women to join the army now. But unfortunately stereotypes still remain. To this day women are still seen as less competent and weaker than the men out on the field beside them.



Gender stereotypes are difficult to fight out. It's plain fact that women are built differently than men and were made to serve different roles. However I believe that not all these roles should be set in stone and women should be able to make their decision of the type of life they personally want to live without society looking down upon them for crossing the line. I do realize that this is a lofty wish as cultures are not easily mended, but maybe one day women can stand closer to equal ground by men.