Gender Roles In Boys And Girls By Alice Munro

In the text “Boys and Girls” by Alice Munro the prominent influence of gender roles within a society is explored through the childhood of the narrator and the interactions within her family on a rural fox farm. The author explores the theme of the prejudice and oppression that women face when attempting to pursue their self-interest as a result of the societal and historical injustices and preconceived notions that are inherent within society. In the text, the narrator is subjected to this prejudice in stark contrast to her brother Laird who is treated as superior simply because of his gender. Laird, however, is also subject to the societal influence of gender roles as he is expected to follow in the footsteps of his father and provide for his family regardless of his willingness to do so.
The narrator initially rebels against the stereotypes of her time when she finds greater interest and purpose doing work with her father much to her mother's dismay. However, in time she succumbs to the pressure of those around her while fighting an uphill battle to try to break free from the societal norms she is continually reminded of. Her grandmother embodies the stereotype of a woman in that time period and while the narrator makes a conscious effort to rebel against her grandmother's advice in an attempt to maintain her freedom ultimately her efforts are short-lived. Both characters are subject to the pressures of conformity in order to be accepted by their society and this pressure ultimately outweighs their personal