Jackie Searle

Mark Jarvis

FHS 2400

June 24, 2016

Question:

Does it seem to you like gender equality is a one-way street? When we talk about gender
equality, arent we usually talking about women becoming more like men? Why dont
conversations about gender equality also focus on mens ability to become more like women?
Does our society believe that women can really lead as well as a man? Does our society really
believe that a man can be as nurturing as a woman? What do you believe? The double standard
of aging says that men become more distinguished as they get older and that women dont.
Assuming that you view this double standard as being unfair, what can you do and what should
our society do to remedy this lack of equality?
Answer:
It sometimes does feel like a one-way street. I think the reason we always refer to women
having equal rights as men is because, women are looked at as a lesser person. Women have
always had to prove how they can do things just as well as men. Im hoping that in time women
will be treated equally in all ways.
My major is computer science. I will soon enter in to a world filled mostly with men. I
know that I will encounter this many times over. There will always be that person who thinks
that a man or women should not do that job. Women continue to lag behind men in such work
related matters as wages, mobility, authority and autonomy. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 114).
I think that we dont talk about men becoming more like women is for many reasons. One
is because men are looked at for power. The vast majority can be considered patriarchies,
societies in which males dominate political and economic institutions and exercise power in
interpersonal relationships. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 112). This will be extremely hard for
most societies to move away from. They also believe it to be this way for religious reasons.
Another reason is because most men dont want to feminize themselves. Like wearing a pink
shirt or crying.
I believe men can sometimes be just as nurturing if not more than a women. Just like
sometimes a women can fix a car better than a man. Every person has strengths and weaknesses.
It does not matter the gender of the person providing it. Sometimes that person is the better
choice to provide it. I do find it interesting that college educated men and women are
considerably less likely to hold traditional ideas about gender, work, and family roles. (Strong
& Cohen, 2014, p. 133). I wonder what it is about the education that changes this.
 The book says that the religious states tend to hold to the traditional male/female roles.
(Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 133). It also states that even if the mother works outside of the house
hold but still comes home to all of the traditional womens roles, their happiness has continually
declined over the past three decades. (Strong & Cohen, 2014, p. 115). With those two factors
together it makes me refer back to the last 2 chapters of Utah being a red state and having a
higher divorce rate. I wonder if this has any connection.
I think calling men as they get older distinguished is a way to compliment them. Many
women get compliments everyday on a variety of things regardless of age. Women are still called
smart, beautiful or other many things. Men hardly get compliments at any age. Ive never
thought of it as a gender issue.
I believe one way to end the issue of gender roles (especially in the home), will be to
consider whom youre marring. If you believe all these things to be issues, marry or partner with
someone who agrees with your views. If you have children, show them what you think is the best
way for a household to be ran (of course they will make their own decisions) but I think its a
great beginning to equality here in America.

Reference List
Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in
a changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth