Direction in Gender Roles and the Effect
1
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Direction in Gender Roles and the Effect on Cultural Development
Nicholas M. Black
English 101, Curry
Argosy University (On Line)
2
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Abstract
This paper addresses cultural changes as a result of role identity change in the American culture
and the effects of the changes. The change in women’s identity, beginning in the mid 1960’s, and
the subsequent change in men’s identity affected both role identities and impacted the economy,
traditional roles and the traditional family. In addressing these issues the author proposes, as an
argument, what is necessary to adjust and correct for the changes in the American culture. The
discussion addresses the area’s most affected and makes evident what will correct the deficiencies.
Keywords (new social-cultural model, future generations)
Author Note
This is an extremely limited discussion of the topic issue. There is no claim by the author as to the
completeness of this paper. Except for general knowledge and the referenced material the author
retains any intellectual knowledge as property; that has not been previously developed in another
method or manner.
3
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Direction in Gender Roles and the Effect on Cultural Development
Introduction
Beginning in the early 1960s, the feminist movement created a new awareness in women
which encouraged them to seek out better education, and rethink their traditional roles in the
current culture. As a result of the movement women attained new status, recognition and made
significant contributions to all sectors of industry and politics. The impact of this movement
dramatically changed many cultural concepts and later, in the early 1970s, had a catastrophic
effect on the economy and families (Brooks, 2009, [Abstract]). While role and identity of women
changed; there was an equal and opposite effect on the role and identity of men (Riley, 2003, p.
109).
Today, women are working harder, earning more and continuing their advancement while
simultaneously attempting to maintain their traditional roles. Conversely men, in general, are
resistant to this change and as a result are becoming less motivated, selfless, educated and
involved. Advancement of role identity away from traditional roles is an attractive, popular and
seemingly fair-minded goal, however, in attaining this goal the repercussions have produce
significant adverse effects on the economy, families and culture therefore a new social-cultural
model is need to correct the negative effects.
Discussion
Economics in a new social-cultural model: The new social-cultural model should improve
economic growth, provide a living wage to the lower class, expand the middle class, and
encourage growth of home-based businesses and employment. An economy needs four parts in
order to grow effectively; they are stability, productivity, employability and international
4
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
engagement (Brown, 2001, p. C31). At the base of economics change is the family and their
needs.
Young families need time and resources to meet individual goals. Whether starting a new
business, working or seeking education, the need to live in a financially secure
environment while attaining goals is essential. Danziger and Ratner (2010) confirm in
there study that the failure of the minimum wage to keep up with inflation is a major
impediment to individual economic stability [Abstract]. If young families improve their
financial status a corresponding move in economic class is also likely.
It is widely known and accepted the middle class is a major economic engine. The trend in
the past 40 years has shown a significant decrease in the percent of the population in the
middle class. A recent article by Loayza, Rigolini and Llorente (2012) the authors
demonstrate how increasing the percent of middle class directly improves social policy on
health and education [Abstract]. As young families and others move into a higher
economic class it will be possible, through investment and innovation, to consider new
forms of income. Emerging technologies have made it possible to consider home-base
employment and business as alternatives to traditional work.
In considering new technologies and industries there are numerous advantages to working
in home-based employment or business. According to Wheatley (2012) “…home-based
teleworkers report greater levels of satisfaction than other workers, suggesting
considerable benefits especially for working mothers” [Abstract].
Economics may
5
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
provide resources for change however for positive sustained change other aspects of
culture must also change.
Changes in a social-cultural norm: The process of cultural change, according to SocialCultural anthropologists happens in a distinct process; Ideas, happenings, philosophies , among a
few, are introduced into an existing group (culture) and the group decides if this aspect of change
is good or evil, right or wrong, destructive or constructive. Over time the group accepts or
rejects the introduced aspect. Considering this, the development of a new social-cultural model
should ensure positive sustainable development of future generations by promoting development
of children in an atmosphere of harmony, while maintaining traditional gender roles and
deemphasizing individualism in order to promote a more collective social order wherein couples
cooperate in attaining individual goals. Bring harmony and cooperation into a relationship is
therefore necessary for building intact families.
There appears to be a direct relationship between intact families and child development.
In a recent study Madhu and Ullah (2012) found families who are cohesive and
harmonious have children who attain better education, have higher lifetime earnings and
overall happier lives [abstract]. Higher earning and increased income for families would
provide a path and resources to make possible the freedom to pursue individual goals.
Sustaining harmony while in pursuit of goals requires consideration of the method of
change.
6
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
It is important to recognize, whether or not nature or nurture defines gender identity, men
and women are different physically, socially and politically. It is these differences that give
strength to the traditional role of parents. Mathur and Salmi (2006) urge men and women
to preserve this balance and state:
If human dignity, individual freedom, social cohesion, and global
harmony are desirable goals, they may lie beyond reach if social justice is
sought only through demands, disputes, claims, and entitlements over
substantive and procedural equality of rights. The pursuit of equality as a
policy is better underpinned through deeper and rigorous analysis of the
sources of conscious and unconscious dynamics of human behavior (of
individuals and groups) (p. 92).
Mathur and Salmi (2006) believe positive changes, freedom and social cooperation
cannot be achieved by legislative means and that it will take people working together to
attain the desired result. Reasonably, considering a less individualistic, more collective,
culture would provide a path the new social attributes.
American culture is often sociologically characterized as individualistic. This belief would
support the need for individual goal seeking of both men and women however in attaining
individual goals; married couples should consider a more collective cultural ideal. Alberts
(2009) states “Collectivist cultures usually place a high value on conformity,
interdependence and believe in the importance of group goals…” (p. 88). Clearly, if
7
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
husband and wife cooperate (interdependence) in the effort to attain individual goals the
synergistic relationship of the couples will certainly improve the likelihood of goal
attainment. With families working cooperatively toward individual goals it would seem
reasonable to apply these changes to larger groups.
The mechanism of cultural change: This section will address the benefits of interpersonal
relationships and methodology to initiate cultural change. To attain the primary goal it will be
necessary to institutionalize interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, effective relationship
development and multi-cultural understanding beginning in elementary level education. The result
of this change will empower future generations with effective interpersonal tools.
Learning to manage conflict will reduce harmful stress and promote stable relationships in
the home and work place. According to Alberts (2009) “Becoming aware of why and how
people communicate the way they do, particularly in stressful situations, will help increase
both sensitivity and tolerance, if not acceptance.” (p. 207). The proper tempering of
children serves as a small change with long term significant benefits including appreciation
of other people and their culture.
An important aspect of interpersonal skill is developing a tolerance for and appreciation of
different belief systems. It is generally known that the more knowledge a group has about
different cultures, races, religions and people, the less likely it is that the group or one of
its individuals will form a negative bias or prejudice. Alberts (2009) says it best “…
interacting successfully with people who are significantly different than us takes a
significantly greater degree of understanding, tolerance, and open-mindedness…” (p.
8
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
217). Managing conflict coupled with tolerance for others are important ingredients for
change, however; too effectively change a culture takes a much broader adjustment.
As future generations learn effective interpersonal relationships skills as part of their
primary education it would be possible to affect continuous improvements in family
cohesiveness. Alberts (2009) believes that good interpersonal skills will enhance
understanding of self and encourage appropriate response to others’ behavior (p. 56). The
inclusion of effective interpersonal relationships skills into the primary education system
would affectively change current education principals from “Reading, Writing and
Arithmetic” to Reading Reasoning and Relationships as primary social requirements.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT: If the concept is adopted women will once again be seen as only
mothers, caregivers and housewives. They will lose their independence and be economically
dependent on their husbands.
RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT: According to Kim (1999) during the last few
decades women have gained status and recognition in almost every discipline and industry using
their identity characteristics coupled with increased awareness and education. With renewed
awareness of women’s abilities there has been a significant move toward gender parody with
regard to positions, wages and overall involvement. At issue here is the development of a social
model that considers the work of women outside of employment and how best to address the
remaining separation. Recent studies done by Wheatley (2012) have shown evidence that
indicates while men work more paid hours than women; women are working much more total
hours (paid + home) than their counterparts [Abstract]. To summarize Røsand, Slinning,
9
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Eberhard-Gran, Røysam & Tambs, (2011) This leads to maternal discourse and a host of other
problems [Abstract], and therefore to a disharmonious family life. The new social model
addresses this issue by suggesting home-based employment and business.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2: Traditional gender roles do not encourage healthy child
development, because children raised under traditional gender roles are not prepared to interact
with an ever-more complex world. Children who are taught gender neutrality are better able to
interact with other people from other cultures and locations, while children who are taught
traditional gender roles are more likely to react inappropriately with people from other cultures,
because other cultures will necessarily have non-identical gender roles. Gender neutrality
therefore encourages children to appropriately interact with people from other cultures.
RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2:
Traditional gender roles coupled with effective interpersonal skills encourage a child to develop
self-confidence, cultural understanding and empathy without regard to gender. Currently there is
insufficient data to support any conclusion that gender neutral development will improve cultural
understanding. The inclusion of effective interpersonal relationship skills in primary education
ensures future generations will have a tolerance for and appreciation of other cultures. Alberts
(2009) supports the position that interpersonal skills encourage appropriate responses to others’
behavior (p. 56). These interpersonal skills can be taught under traditional gender roles or as part
of the elementary school curriculum.
10
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
CONCLUSION
It is possible, through the democratic process, to affect change in economics that will re-establish
a productive middle class and thus provide for a healthier and better educated nation. As more
resources become available for young families, individuals goal seeking will be possible.
Additionally, with the advent of new technologies in the postindustrial era coupled with a better
educated population it will be advantageous for families to establish home-based business and or
employment. Learning and practicing effective interpersonal skills will contribute to reduced
stress and conflict in individuals, married couples, groups and the American culture as a whole.
Institutionalizing interpersonal skill education at the elementary school level will provide future
generations with a positive mechanism for an improved quality of life, significant reduction in the
negative effects of conflict and a family life for children that is harmonious and happy. Clearly,
considering all aspects presented, a new Social-Cultural model is appropriate and necessary to
ensure men and women, while staying in their traditional roles, can seek individual goals without
negatively affecting child development or the economy.
11
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
REFERENCES LIST:
Alberts, J. k. (2009). Interpersonal Effectiveness: Psychology 180. Argosy University. Retrieved
from
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Direction in Gender Roles and the Effect on Cultural Development
Nicholas M. Black
English 101, Curry
Argosy University (On Line)
2
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Abstract
This paper addresses cultural changes as a result of role identity change in the American culture
and the effects of the changes. The change in women’s identity, beginning in the mid 1960’s, and
the subsequent change in men’s identity affected both role identities and impacted the economy,
traditional roles and the traditional family. In addressing these issues the author proposes, as an
argument, what is necessary to adjust and correct for the changes in the American culture. The
discussion addresses the area’s most affected and makes evident what will correct the deficiencies.
Keywords (new social-cultural model, future generations)
Author Note
This is an extremely limited discussion of the topic issue. There is no claim by the author as to the
completeness of this paper. Except for general knowledge and the referenced material the author
retains any intellectual knowledge as property; that has not been previously developed in another
method or manner.
3
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Direction in Gender Roles and the Effect on Cultural Development
Introduction
Beginning in the early 1960s, the feminist movement created a new awareness in women
which encouraged them to seek out better education, and rethink their traditional roles in the
current culture. As a result of the movement women attained new status, recognition and made
significant contributions to all sectors of industry and politics. The impact of this movement
dramatically changed many cultural concepts and later, in the early 1970s, had a catastrophic
effect on the economy and families (Brooks, 2009, [Abstract]). While role and identity of women
changed; there was an equal and opposite effect on the role and identity of men (Riley, 2003, p.
109).
Today, women are working harder, earning more and continuing their advancement while
simultaneously attempting to maintain their traditional roles. Conversely men, in general, are
resistant to this change and as a result are becoming less motivated, selfless, educated and
involved. Advancement of role identity away from traditional roles is an attractive, popular and
seemingly fair-minded goal, however, in attaining this goal the repercussions have produce
significant adverse effects on the economy, families and culture therefore a new social-cultural
model is need to correct the negative effects.
Discussion
Economics in a new social-cultural model: The new social-cultural model should improve
economic growth, provide a living wage to the lower class, expand the middle class, and
encourage growth of home-based businesses and employment. An economy needs four parts in
order to grow effectively; they are stability, productivity, employability and international
4
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
engagement (Brown, 2001, p. C31). At the base of economics change is the family and their
needs.
Young families need time and resources to meet individual goals. Whether starting a new
business, working or seeking education, the need to live in a financially secure
environment while attaining goals is essential. Danziger and Ratner (2010) confirm in
there study that the failure of the minimum wage to keep up with inflation is a major
impediment to individual economic stability [Abstract]. If young families improve their
financial status a corresponding move in economic class is also likely.
It is widely known and accepted the middle class is a major economic engine. The trend in
the past 40 years has shown a significant decrease in the percent of the population in the
middle class. A recent article by Loayza, Rigolini and Llorente (2012) the authors
demonstrate how increasing the percent of middle class directly improves social policy on
health and education [Abstract]. As young families and others move into a higher
economic class it will be possible, through investment and innovation, to consider new
forms of income. Emerging technologies have made it possible to consider home-base
employment and business as alternatives to traditional work.
In considering new technologies and industries there are numerous advantages to working
in home-based employment or business. According to Wheatley (2012) “…home-based
teleworkers report greater levels of satisfaction than other workers, suggesting
considerable benefits especially for working mothers” [Abstract].
Economics may
5
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
provide resources for change however for positive sustained change other aspects of
culture must also change.
Changes in a social-cultural norm: The process of cultural change, according to SocialCultural anthropologists happens in a distinct process; Ideas, happenings, philosophies , among a
few, are introduced into an existing group (culture) and the group decides if this aspect of change
is good or evil, right or wrong, destructive or constructive. Over time the group accepts or
rejects the introduced aspect. Considering this, the development of a new social-cultural model
should ensure positive sustainable development of future generations by promoting development
of children in an atmosphere of harmony, while maintaining traditional gender roles and
deemphasizing individualism in order to promote a more collective social order wherein couples
cooperate in attaining individual goals. Bring harmony and cooperation into a relationship is
therefore necessary for building intact families.
There appears to be a direct relationship between intact families and child development.
In a recent study Madhu and Ullah (2012) found families who are cohesive and
harmonious have children who attain better education, have higher lifetime earnings and
overall happier lives [abstract]. Higher earning and increased income for families would
provide a path and resources to make possible the freedom to pursue individual goals.
Sustaining harmony while in pursuit of goals requires consideration of the method of
change.
6
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
It is important to recognize, whether or not nature or nurture defines gender identity, men
and women are different physically, socially and politically. It is these differences that give
strength to the traditional role of parents. Mathur and Salmi (2006) urge men and women
to preserve this balance and state:
If human dignity, individual freedom, social cohesion, and global
harmony are desirable goals, they may lie beyond reach if social justice is
sought only through demands, disputes, claims, and entitlements over
substantive and procedural equality of rights. The pursuit of equality as a
policy is better underpinned through deeper and rigorous analysis of the
sources of conscious and unconscious dynamics of human behavior (of
individuals and groups) (p. 92).
Mathur and Salmi (2006) believe positive changes, freedom and social cooperation
cannot be achieved by legislative means and that it will take people working together to
attain the desired result. Reasonably, considering a less individualistic, more collective,
culture would provide a path the new social attributes.
American culture is often sociologically characterized as individualistic. This belief would
support the need for individual goal seeking of both men and women however in attaining
individual goals; married couples should consider a more collective cultural ideal. Alberts
(2009) states “Collectivist cultures usually place a high value on conformity,
interdependence and believe in the importance of group goals…” (p. 88). Clearly, if
7
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
husband and wife cooperate (interdependence) in the effort to attain individual goals the
synergistic relationship of the couples will certainly improve the likelihood of goal
attainment. With families working cooperatively toward individual goals it would seem
reasonable to apply these changes to larger groups.
The mechanism of cultural change: This section will address the benefits of interpersonal
relationships and methodology to initiate cultural change. To attain the primary goal it will be
necessary to institutionalize interpersonal skills including conflict resolution, effective relationship
development and multi-cultural understanding beginning in elementary level education. The result
of this change will empower future generations with effective interpersonal tools.
Learning to manage conflict will reduce harmful stress and promote stable relationships in
the home and work place. According to Alberts (2009) “Becoming aware of why and how
people communicate the way they do, particularly in stressful situations, will help increase
both sensitivity and tolerance, if not acceptance.” (p. 207). The proper tempering of
children serves as a small change with long term significant benefits including appreciation
of other people and their culture.
An important aspect of interpersonal skill is developing a tolerance for and appreciation of
different belief systems. It is generally known that the more knowledge a group has about
different cultures, races, religions and people, the less likely it is that the group or one of
its individuals will form a negative bias or prejudice. Alberts (2009) says it best “…
interacting successfully with people who are significantly different than us takes a
significantly greater degree of understanding, tolerance, and open-mindedness…” (p.
8
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
217). Managing conflict coupled with tolerance for others are important ingredients for
change, however; too effectively change a culture takes a much broader adjustment.
As future generations learn effective interpersonal relationships skills as part of their
primary education it would be possible to affect continuous improvements in family
cohesiveness. Alberts (2009) believes that good interpersonal skills will enhance
understanding of self and encourage appropriate response to others’ behavior (p. 56). The
inclusion of effective interpersonal relationships skills into the primary education system
would affectively change current education principals from “Reading, Writing and
Arithmetic” to Reading Reasoning and Relationships as primary social requirements.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT: If the concept is adopted women will once again be seen as only
mothers, caregivers and housewives. They will lose their independence and be economically
dependent on their husbands.
RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT: According to Kim (1999) during the last few
decades women have gained status and recognition in almost every discipline and industry using
their identity characteristics coupled with increased awareness and education. With renewed
awareness of women’s abilities there has been a significant move toward gender parody with
regard to positions, wages and overall involvement. At issue here is the development of a social
model that considers the work of women outside of employment and how best to address the
remaining separation. Recent studies done by Wheatley (2012) have shown evidence that
indicates while men work more paid hours than women; women are working much more total
hours (paid + home) than their counterparts [Abstract]. To summarize Røsand, Slinning,
9
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
Eberhard-Gran, Røysam & Tambs, (2011) This leads to maternal discourse and a host of other
problems [Abstract], and therefore to a disharmonious family life. The new social model
addresses this issue by suggesting home-based employment and business.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2: Traditional gender roles do not encourage healthy child
development, because children raised under traditional gender roles are not prepared to interact
with an ever-more complex world. Children who are taught gender neutrality are better able to
interact with other people from other cultures and locations, while children who are taught
traditional gender roles are more likely to react inappropriately with people from other cultures,
because other cultures will necessarily have non-identical gender roles. Gender neutrality
therefore encourages children to appropriately interact with people from other cultures.
RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2:
Traditional gender roles coupled with effective interpersonal skills encourage a child to develop
self-confidence, cultural understanding and empathy without regard to gender. Currently there is
insufficient data to support any conclusion that gender neutral development will improve cultural
understanding. The inclusion of effective interpersonal relationship skills in primary education
ensures future generations will have a tolerance for and appreciation of other cultures. Alberts
(2009) supports the position that interpersonal skills encourage appropriate responses to others’
behavior (p. 56). These interpersonal skills can be taught under traditional gender roles or as part
of the elementary school curriculum.
10
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
CONCLUSION
It is possible, through the democratic process, to affect change in economics that will re-establish
a productive middle class and thus provide for a healthier and better educated nation. As more
resources become available for young families, individuals goal seeking will be possible.
Additionally, with the advent of new technologies in the postindustrial era coupled with a better
educated population it will be advantageous for families to establish home-based business and or
employment. Learning and practicing effective interpersonal skills will contribute to reduced
stress and conflict in individuals, married couples, groups and the American culture as a whole.
Institutionalizing interpersonal skill education at the elementary school level will provide future
generations with a positive mechanism for an improved quality of life, significant reduction in the
negative effects of conflict and a family life for children that is harmonious and happy. Clearly,
considering all aspects presented, a new Social-Cultural model is appropriate and necessary to
ensure men and women, while staying in their traditional roles, can seek individual goals without
negatively affecting child development or the economy.
11
Running Head: Direction in Gender Roles and the Effects
REFERENCES LIST:
Alberts, J. k. (2009). Interpersonal Effectiveness: Psychology 180. Argosy University. Retrieved
from