It’s amusing to know that it was Eve not Adam who took the infamous apple from the serpent, right? That was some work, no matter how little energy Eve exerted to take the apple, ate and gave the rest to the first man created. Later on, Adam became a farmer and hustled while Eve kept house for him and looked after the children. Fast forward down the ages and into our modern era, gender roles are not all that much clearly defined.

All the same, gender roles were very well-defined in ages past and since time immemorial. The man who was biologically different from the woman and physically stronger was supposed to indulge in projects or tasks that require macho strength while women who are less strong were to take care of activities not requiring excessive use of strength like bathing the kids.

Considering that all cultures and races are descendants of one parents and having the universal qualities of humanity, gender roles in one place may not differ all that much from those of other places. Only slight differences were available and can still be seen (the evolution is still continuing?).

1. The Western World

Gender roles for women were very clearly defined down the ages, most especially and typically in Victorian England. Women were not supposed to engage in jobs or activities that men naturally indulge in and vice versa.

Every man was supposed to be strong and be able to protect his wife or lover and other loved ones from harm and any danger. The man could even sacrifice himself to protect a woman.

2. Africa

In most of Africa (the sub- Saharan region), men were farmers and would normally work all day long on their farms while their wives stayed at home as housekeepers.

African men, down the ages, indulged in activities involving possible dangers like fishing, palm wine tapping and farming in bushy and dangerous areas.

The wives usually stayed at home to take care of children.

3. Asia

Gender roles in Asia evolved and were, until recently, somehow different from that of the Western world and Africa. In Asia, both men and women can involve themselves in farming (which is largely considered as male job in other parts of the world).

The men, in turn, would however not necessarily be found helping their wives out when they are also indulged in activities or roles considered as being feminine.

To conclude, it’s important to point out one thing: evolution is a  continuous process and till date, gender roles are still changing.  More and more women are taking on male roles and vice versa. It’s a by-product of civilization and modern thinking.