Gender Stereotypes: Gender Roles And Equality

Gender Roles and Equality What does it mean to be a man or a woman? What are the skills and behaviors expected to be shown by all men and women? Although, time has changed, the stereotypes regarding the sexes have not. Gender roles, particularly a woman's role, have changed drastically throughout western culture, specifically starting in 1697 to the present. Throughout 1697, society viewed women negatively no matter how prosperous they were. “Her wit, for want of teaching, makes her impertinent and talkative,” (Defoe). Civilization in the late 1600’s proved to be judgmental with a somewhat pessimistic view of women. Women were also criticized for their desire to better themselves through education. “If her temper be good, want of education makes her soft and easy,” (Defoe). Daniel Defoe asked the haunting question that perplexed society during the late 1600’s and humanity today. “What has the woman done to forfeit the privilege of being taught?” (Defoe). Men denied women the rights to knowledge because they were scared that women would be able to compete with them. Women did nothing to be denied education, besides existing as a threat against men. During this time period, women had few rights, this however,
Women went from being thought of as weak and unable to learn to gain rights that allowed them to pursue the education and wished that they gave them the power to overthrow an unjust government. Men went from being unable to express themselves for fear of violence and undermined by society when it comes to parenting to being great fathers and great men able to share their feelings. Gender stereotypes will sadly always exist in this society. Small minded people are unable to grasp how unique and special each person is and will make fun something they don't understand. In the future, gender roles won't be such a big deal and hopefully everyone can just worry about themselves and be