At least through the 1960's American society tended to define the masculine and feminine roles quite differently. In fact, structural-functionalism related these differences to the complementary strengths and responsibilities of each gender as they related to the requirements of society's basic institutions. Beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the modern feminist movement has challenged those roles. Maculine and feminine roles have been changing, but even in the 21st centure, differences certainly remain.
Think about what is expected of you and what is possible for you--at work, in school, in the family, in religious organizations. How does being male/female influence people's expectations and your possibilities? Complete each of the following statements:
Name:
1. Because I am a (fe) male, I am allowed to to:
2. Because I am a (fe) male, I am encouraged to:
3. Because I am a (fe) male, I am expected to:
4. Because I am a (fe) male, I am discouraged from:
5. I am glad I am a (fe) male because:
6. I regret that I am a (fe) male because
7. Overall, men / women (circle one) have more advantages and a better life experience because:
8. If I could change one thing about what's expected of my gender, it would be:
9. How have society's expectations of being (fe) male affected your:
a. career plans
b. leisure activities
c. attitudes toward the other sex
Sociology 1201: Groups--Gender Roles
1. Are there still differences between men and women in terms of activities, opportunities, and expectations?
2. Do you see one gender or the other as having more advantages?
3. What, if anything, would you want to change in terms of how our society defines masculine and feminine?
Thanks to M. Kirby Diaz for the original exercise from which this one is adapted.