Changes in Gender Norms
The term gender is used to describe whether a person is a male or a female. However, society has inflicted a different meaning on this term beyond one being male or female. The concept of gender in a social context means the roles, activities, attributes, and behaviors that society considers appropriate for both males and females. There are socially constructed behaviors and roles each gender is expected to undertake. These gender roles and behaviors have changed in the 21st century. The 20th and 21st centuries were the years when gender norms experienced a lot of independence. Gender roles in the 21st century have received a new meaning that has set women free from oppression. There is a lot of freedom that protects people who seem to ‘deviate’ from the social norms. This paper will discuss the changes that have taken place in terms of gender roles and behaviors from the 17th century. Do you need help with your assignment ? Reach out to us at eminencepapers.com.
Before the Second World War, it is clear that there existed a lot of gender disparities. Some guidelines defined the roles of women and men in society, which were followed strictly. These guidelines did not mostly oppress women and set boundaries on what they were expected to do. For instance, women were not allowed to vote. As a result, most of the powerful and well-paying jobs were left to men. Women were left out in the larger political sphere until 1915, when they protested against oppressive gender norms. During the World war, two women were isolated until President Franklin decided to engage women in the war. Men dominated the military. Women were considered as alternative options; they were expected to take on various duties held by men so that the latter could be free for military service.
Male chauvinism was evident in the 17th century. Before the Second World War, men occupied most of the state jobs. Women, on the other hand, were supposed to stay home and look after the children. World War II opened many opportunities for women, which also made them fight for their rights. During this time, women were given chances to work in the military and even factories. Industrial labor, which was previously dominated by men, shifted to being dominated by women. Also, many women applied for administrative jobs. After World War II, the changing of women’s roles opened a new chapter for women to fight for their rights. It dawned on women that they were capable of doing the activities that were traditionally meant left for men. The 20th and 21st centuries have experienced gender equality, where gender roles and behaviors have become independent. Only a few distinctive functions remain to be solely for females, such as childbearing. These centuries also have seen the most social movements advocating for the rights of women.
Gender norms have changed in the 21st century for the better. There is no defined role between women and women. The slogan, ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better,’ sums it all up. Women are now allowed to vote and vie for political positions. Previous jobs that were dominated by women, such as in the military, also take women. Women’s empowerment has been embraced in the country to the point that even young girls are aware of their rights as women from a tender age.
The gender roles regarding marriage and sexuality have changed. There was a lot of stigmatization in the past in case a person identified themselves as LGBTQ or queer (Morris, 2009). It was considered deviance from the social norms that religious institutions were against. Homosexuality in the 17th century was not common, but it has emerged as a common issue in the 21st century. People can now openly admit to being members of the LGBTQ and continue with their lives as usual. Democracy and social movements have made this possible.
In conclusion, gender roles and behaviors have changed in the 21st century from the 17th century. Gender roles that oppressed women, such as staying home and looking after the children, have been abolished, and they can now seek employment as they wish. Also, gender equality has been embraced, and women are currently participating in previously dominated activities by men. Homosexuality is no longer seen as deviance from social norms, and people have come to respect it.
References
Morris, B. J. (2009). History of Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender social movements.
Truscott, L. (1969). Gar power comes to Sheridan Square. Village Voice.
World War II. The American Yawp.
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Question 
Read all of the secondary sources and one primary source. Write an essay in which you develop an argument about what your analysis of the document allows you to understand about gender in the 20th and 21st centuries
Changes in Gender Norms
in America and how it has changed since the 17th century. As part of your argument, explain how your analysis of the primary source you chose adds to or challenges the information and ideas about gender in the secondary sources. Cite all your sources (primary and secondary) using APA style at the end of the essay.