Family Roles Gender Roles

¶ … Male in Today's Society

From the time we are born, the main social message our society sends to males is that real men are stronger than women and do not show emotions. Sex, anger, and humor are the exceptions to this rule. As a result, many men feel intense pressure to be tough and strong. Men grow up believing that they must be unemotional, logical thinkers. As a result, many men have difficulty identifying, sharing, understanding, and working with their feelings and emotions.

Studies also show that boys and men are expected to express anger more than any other emotion (Tucker-Ladd, 2000). This is related to their high rate of criticizing, scapegoating, and attacking others. Unfortunately, they are also three times more likely to be hyperactive than girls and blame their problems on others. Males tend to avoid problems and distract themselves, while females talk out their problems. This actually sets men at a disadvantage.

As the concept of gender equality grows, women see more clearly what they deserve and times are changing (Tucker-Ladd, 2000). However, as it currently stands, the gender conflict seems like an unending process. Being a man gives you a better salary, more power and respect, and a sense of leadership in the family role. For instance, in a recent list of the top 800 CEO's in this country, only one was a woman. This shows the advantage that men have over women.

Because of the messages that society passes on to mankind, women typically value being sensitive and maintaining good relationships, while men value gaining status by following "the rules." American society promotes and supports competition and individual success, so women's orientation towards caring for others and building the community is considered to be of lesser importance. These value differences are seen in the gender roles established by our culture, including (Tucker-Ladd, 2000):

1. Men are encouraged to excel and succeed;

2. Women are encouraged to become mothers and depend on men;

3. Men are told that emotions are signs of weakness;

4. Women are encouraged to be emotional, and men love to comfort them.

While society places a strong emphasis on looks and youth when it comes to women, the same does not hold true for men (Tucker-Ladd, 2000). Their minds and success are what make them attractive to society. As a result, while women can get by on their looks, men must work hard and become successful to gain respect and acceptance.