In Anthropology, the idea of shifting gender roles dates back to traditional roles such as men often associated with roles such as hunting or warfare, and women with child-rearing and gathering. In modern society, both gender share varied roles such as footing bills and child care duties, among others. Today’s post will focus on how men’s roles may be shifted to women when there is financial challenge in the household, and why the shift in roles should be normalized in today’s complex society.

Breadwinners

In context, most traditional societies agree for the man to pay the woman’s bride price and after that she will assume her role as wife and bearer of the man’s children. However, anthropologists have increasingly emphasized that gender roles are not fixed. They are fluid, shaped by culture, and subject to change over time. A man’s role as breadwinner may change when he is no more financially capable, thus, more women should be empowered to work to raise money to meet such a challenge which may arise in future.

Household management

The notion of men giving up their roles simply means they may have to pass on roles to other members of the household while they go out to “hunt”. Looking beyond Western societies, anthropologists note that feminine responsibilities can also be switched in cases where the woman is the breadwinner and the man has to stay at home and take care of the household.

Everyday situations

The power dynamics that come with who assumes what role can sometimes cause tensions whereby some facets of society will not agree for a woman to take up certain roles. On the other hand, seeing a man taking up roles meant for women may also raise questions from society. For this to change, there needs to be education for both parties to understand that gender roles are not defined. A woman taking up roles is because she is qualified and her expertise is needed, be it in the home or in the boardroom, same goes for the men.

Conclusion

The rise of feminist movements and increasing awareness of gender equality have played a critical role in challenging rigid gender roles. Men taking on traditionally feminine tasks, such as caregiving or household duties, can be viewed as an expression of greater equality rather than a surrender of roles.