Overview
Gender norms, the roles fulfilled by men and women, and sexual behavior have changed drastically since the 1950s. For this discussion you must read Chapters 9, 10, and 11 in your text. If you would like additional information you may also review this article Work-Family Boundary Dynamics related to gender, work, and the family. For extra information related to this discussion see the “Recommended Resources.” After reading the three chapters in the text, address the following:
- Describe how ideas about gender have changed since the 1950s. Be sure to use examples from the text.
- How have these changes impacted the structure and responsibilities of the family? What has been the greatest change for women during this time? For men? For example, with the decline of manufacturing jobs (as well as many white-collar jobs during the recent recession) that are typically held by men, combined with the increase in service-sector jobs that are typically held by women, we saw more and more men staying at home to raise their children while their female partners are in the paid labor force. Does this challenge or fit with our society’s current definition of masculinity? How are men who stay at home affected?
- Describe how expectations regarding sexual behavior for men and women have changed since the 1950s. Explain and give an example of the “sexual double standard.”