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Tag: Gender Roles

  • Gender Roles: Men Want Tradition, Women Push Back

    It seems like society is at a crossroads when it comes to gender roles. While many women are forging ahead, pushing boundaries in careers and personal pursuits, a significant portion of men appear to be yearning for a return to more traditional family structures. This growing divide is highlighted in a recent poll, revealing differing views on what makes a family and society thrive.

    The Appeal of Traditional Roles

    Take Bill Jennings, a 69-year-old from Florida. While his own family history includes working mothers, he finds himself impressed by younger generations of women choosing to homeschool. He expressed, ‘I’m thinking more that the man is typically the breadwinner and the female is more focused on the home and raising children.’ He acknowledges this sounds old-fashioned, but believes these traditional roles are ‘better for the family and for children.’

    This sentiment is echoed by many. A new poll from The 19th News/SurveyMonkey found that half of all respondents believe society would benefit from a return to traditional gender roles. Men were notably more likely to agree, with nearly 60% favoring this shift, compared to about 40% of women. This desire for a return to convention is particularly strong among Republican men (87%) and Republican women (79%).

    Women’s Pushback and Evolving Priorities

    However, women, across the political spectrum, are less inclined to embrace a return to these traditional structures. Democratic women were the least likely to support such a shift, with only 21% agreeing, compared to 26% of Democratic men. This suggests a broader societal trend where women are increasingly prioritizing careers and personal fulfillment alongside, or even instead of, traditional domestic roles.

    The data also shows a divide among married and parenting individuals. While 62% of married men support the premise of traditional roles, fewer than half of married women (47%) agree. Similarly, 67% of dads favor a return to tradition, compared to 52% of moms. Interestingly, divorced men were the most likely group to believe society would benefit from traditional roles (67%), while never-married women were the least likely (37%).

    The Reality of Economic Pressures

    Eve Rodsky, author of ‘Fair Play,’ notes that this yearning for an idyllic ‘Leave it to Beaver’ lifestyle is deeply ingrained in American culture. However, she points out that for over two-thirds of families, this ideal is simply out of reach due to growing income inequality. The economic realities often necessitate both parents working.

    This is the reality for many, like 24-year-old Kaylia Artis. Her husband prefers she stay home, but her income as a nurse and her part-time retail job are essential for their family’s survival. ‘The way things are changing, we both need to be working because we got to be able to pay the rent, the lights, the water, the gas,’ Artis explained. She feels women are often asked to do too much, bearing the brunt of childcare and household responsibilities.

    Policy and Aspiration

    The survey also revealed that 63% of Americans agree that families are better off when one parent stays home with the children, with men (69%) more likely than women (58%) to agree. While many believe either parent should have the option to stay home, Rodsky suggests that in heterosexual couples, this often implicitly means the woman, given the persistent realities of the pay gap and occupational segregation.

    This deep-seated aspiration for traditional gender roles poses a significant challenge to implementing policies like paid parental leave and universal childcare, which lag behind those in other wealthy nations. The cultural ideal, while strong for many, particularly men, clashes with the economic necessity for a large portion of the population.

    What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of gender roles? Do you see a divide in your own community? Share your perspective in the comments below!

  • Senegal’s ‘Husband Schools’ Tackle Gender Roles & Maternal Health

    Imagine a place where men are actively taught to be better partners and fathers, not just in theory, but in practice. That’s exactly what’s happening in Senegal with a unique initiative called ‘schools for husbands.’ This UN-backed program is making waves by reshaping traditional gender roles and focusing on crucial issues like maternal health and family planning.

    Shifting Perspectives, One Man at a Time

    In many parts of Senegal, men hold significant decision-making power in households, especially concerning health. Women often need their husbands’ approval for everything from family planning services to prenatal care and hospital deliveries. This is where the ‘schools for husbands’ come in, empowering respected male community leaders, like Imam Ibrahima Diane, to advocate for change.

    Imam Diane, for example, is teaching men about “positive masculinity,” encouraging them to actively participate in household chores, help with childcare, and support their wives. He even incorporates these messages into his Friday sermons, reaching a wider audience and inspiring men to become more caring husbands and fathers.

    Real-Life Impact: Safer Births and Shared Responsibilities

    The program’s impact is already being felt. Habib Diallo, a former army commando, shared how attending these sessions encouraged him to advise his son to take his pregnant wife to the hospital, overcoming initial hesitations about cost and trust. This shift towards prioritizing hospital births is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality.

    The initiative, which launched in 2011, is gaining traction with the Ministry of Women, Family, Gender and Child Protection, recognizing its effectiveness. Aida Diouf, a health worker involved in the program, highlights that men’s involvement is key to changing attitudes around maternal health, noting that some men even prefer their wives not be treated by male health workers.

    Broader Goals: Equality and Health for All

    These classes go beyond just health. Discussions also cover vital topics like girls’ rights, gender equality, and the harmful effects of practices like female genital mutilation. The program has trained over 300 men across more than 20 schools in Senegal, fostering a new generation of men who champion gender equality.

    The results are tangible: reduced forced marriages, increased acceptance of family planning, and a more equitable distribution of household tasks. As Khary Ndeye, 52, put it, her husband went from “barking orders” to actually cooking and helping with daily chores.

    Challenges and the Path Forward

    Despite the successes, challenges remain. While maternal and infant deaths have declined, Senegal still aims to meet global targets by 2030. Some men still struggle with the concept of gender equality, sometimes mistakenly associating it with LGBTQ+ issues, which are still taboo in the region.

    However, by focusing on the universal right to health, the program effectively humanizes the concept, making it more relatable and actionable. The ‘schools for husbands’ are proving to be a powerful tool in creating healthier families and more equitable societies in Senegal.

    What do you think about this innovative approach to gender equality and health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!