Traditional Gender Norms In The United States, Sweden, And Afghanistan

Housewife, breadwinner, caregiver, man of the house are typical common stereotypes of males and females all over the world, while each country may be different on their gender norms they are all socially constructed. Cultures and religion of traditional gender ideology add to the notion that males are more dominant than females. Gender norms were constructed by society and people to mimic a specific model of behavior for men and women. Across the globe, women are under a shadow of dominance and patriarchal norms that control who has access to resource, education and opportunities. I will be comparing and contrasting the differences between traditional gender roles and norms in the United States, Sweden and Afghanistan.
Stereotypes/Stigmas
Dating back to the 1800’s, women were not the head of the household, men were. Women were considered property to their husbands or “second-class citizens” (NWHM, 2007). Men made all the decisions and brought home the money. Women were taught to be subservient to males. Old traditional gender norms supported that women are to stay home and care for the children. Before women have rights in society they were dominated by males. Women didn’t have the ability to own their own land, keep their own earnings and be part of political movements (WNHM, 2007). Education was not an interest to many American women living in the 1800’s, women’s duties included house cleaning, caring for children and cooking. These same stereotypes and norms today fit with women yet women are becoming more independent and successful than men. Today, in the United States we can see an ever changing movement for more women’s rights and opportunities. Traditional stereotypes are fading away as American women strive for equal rights. In 1848, delegates adopted a “Declaration of Sentiments,” which called for equal women’s rights when it comes to education, treatment under the law and to vote (WNHM, 2007). During the 20th century women’s rights organizations, American Woman Suffrage Association (AWSA) and National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) planned to strive for equal gender rights. Eventually women did earn the right to vote under the 19th amendment and later in 1972 the Equal Rights Amendment was passed by congress and adopted into the constitution. The Equal Rights Amendment aimed and providing equal opportunities to all regardless of sex. Despite a strong support for equal gender rights, colored women faced discrimination and racism. During World War II men were forced to step onto the battlefield leaving women to perform “men’s work”. African American woman during World War II were much more oppressed than white women