We traditionally expect women to be more flexible, more agreeable, more cooperative than men. With regard to adaptability and coping we consistently place the benchmark higher for one gender than the other. Is that because men are the ones who set the parameters, or is it that we know that women will naturally try to fit in anyway.
It starts in childhood, when girls are expected to be more compliant than boys (and usually are) and wreck fewer things (they usually do). As they grow up, we expect them to align themselves with male interests rather than the other way around from sports to sex and what to watch at night (sports and sex).
Most likely later on in life, a woman will choose a supportive role in relationships and the family. Whether she tidies up more, does the laundry and takes the dog to the vet. She will probably be the one who will remember birthdays, favourite dishes and help out at the school bazaar.
Even if women get to pick the house and sofa cushions, or possibly where the kids go to school, they usually defer to their partners when accounts are set up, pension funds are established and wealth is divided.
When it’s time for the kids to move out (or when hubby decides to go on another prowl), women are expected to fill all the gaps and to move back into the work force. Preferably a supportive role, of course.
And they usually do. With a smile.
No comments:
Post a Comment