With the economy in the pits, job loss is on the rise, and families are rushing to make ends meet. The challenges facing the world today prompt the question “Are gender roles evolving?” The answer to that question is simply “Yes.” The changes are not subtle, and a new era is sweeping across the nations. More people are questioning the preconceived notions of gender dominance and providing for a family as the 21st century moves forward.

Historically, men provided for their families. In the middle of the 20th century, most considered it odd for a woman to work and not keep house as her first priority. Male employees held powerful positions, and the voices of their feminine counterparts were lost in the bustle of career success. Women had a very prominent role in the family. They learned how to be fabulous chefs, artisans, and above all, wonderful mothers. It would not be long though until the pendulum would sway in a very different direction.

Following the 1970’s, women demanded lifestyle changes. Realizing that they had talents and abilities that reached beyond their home, inspired many to take a stand and demand fairness in employment and personal freedoms. Unlike the decades before, women attacked the work force with fierce vigor, clawing their way to some of the most powerful positions in the world. Men continued to excel financially and work up the corporate ladder at a slightly faster pace, but now had some new competition.

When the latest recession took hold in 2008, many families were unprepared for the role reversals and family upheavals that would create new customs and launch the evolution of gender expectations into the future. Suddenly, men became unemployed, as many skilled trades slowed to a screeching halt. Jobs that women once occupied, were now accepting male applicants in large numbers. Many fathers stood, shooting the breeze at the local bus stop, waiting for the kids that mom had picked up since they started school.

Women, laid off and desperate, sought home based work where they could utilize their professional skills. Then came the kipper-This cycle happened in reverse as well. Men, who previously stayed home, frantically sought employment, while women scrambled to hold onto their precious positions. Forced to amend previously accepted customs, men and women alike have adopted new roles, new teamwork, and a new vision for the future. Every man and woman, single or not, had to work with their available resources. For some couples, this was a definite role reversal. For single people, they began to express interest in employment positions not considered previously. Whatever the reasons are, the culture of men and women as a whole are changing forever.

Considering historical data, it is clear that men and women alike had predictable roles. They took turns raising the family, finding jobs, and supporting their dreams, both individually and as family units. Finally, due to economic stress, expectations of males and females changed in favor of individuals choosing what is best for themselves. People are slowly viewing alternative lifestyles and gender roles as acceptable and even a favorable option. There is no doubt that both men and women have struggled with new roles, yet enjoyed the freedom to walk a mile in the others shoes. Some may find the results unfavorable, but some will never look back.

References:

knol.google.com/k/gender-roles-in-the-20th-century
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gender_role