Name changes, surgery or even legal birth certificate changes on this subject are scrutinized, difficult to attain and never really expressly respected as legitimate proof of someone's sex or gender, once they have occurred. (117)
Denmark and Nielson, in their International handbook on Gender Roles characterize the U.S. As a multi-cultural nation that is demonstrative of social change with regard to gender roles and yet they go on to say that even though the rhetoric may have changed and opportunities may have opened for women in this traditionally gendered society, and that men are seen as being more responsible for traditionally female tasks the culture is still fixed in many ways with regard to gender roles.
However, throughout the history of the U.S.A., women have been faced with balancing their productive and reproductive work (Anderson, 1988). Regardless of their contributions, either professionally or domestically, the social position of women has essentially remained the same, with little change in power or status. A man's sphere and role consist of more visible and material pursuits. His elevated status in the world and position as head of the household have almost always been a dynamic of the couple, the family, and society itself.
Denmark, and Nielson 453)
As gender roles are considered integral to the development and maintenance of society the strictness in which they are adhered to is as rigid as almost any other social phenomena. This is something that can be seen clearly in the previous discussion about the world of work and adult satisfaction, as it applies to men and women.
Gender roles as they are assigned by society are clearly demonstrative of culture, and yet in a culture where so much has been challenged with regard...
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