Gender roles are the behaviors and expectations that society considers appropriate for men and women based on their sex. These roles often focus on ideas of masculinity and femininity and can vary across cultures but share common patterns globally.

Traditional Gender Roles (Early to Mid-20th Century)

• Men: Seen as financial providers and decision-makers, expected to be strong and emotionally reserved.
• Women: Responsible for household chores and child care, viewed as emotional and nurturing.

Though society has changed, these roles still influence attitudes and behavior today.

Gender Roles Across Institutions

1. Family:
   Gender roles are shaped by cultural norms. Boys and girls often have different chores and expectations, with fathers typically enforcing stricter gender conformity, especially for sons.
2. Caste:
   In India, caste hierarchy intensifies gender oppression. Women from lower castes, especially Dalits, face severe discrimination and violence.
3. Religion:
   Most world religions traditionally assign women to domestic roles and men to public ones, reinforcing gender divisions even as female participation in the workforce rises.
4. Culture:
   Cultural beliefs define ‘appropriate’ male and female behaviors, often reinforcing male dominance. Culture is fluid but typically sustains male power through traditions and social norms.
5. Media:
   Media shapes public perceptions by often portraying traditional gender stereotypes—women shown as dependent or domestic, men as dominant and active. This affects societal attitudes and beliefs.
6. Advertisements:
   Women are often featured in ads related to home and beauty products; men are shown with cars, tech, or in “buddy” groups. Men rarely appear in domestic roles, and if they do, it’s often humorously.
7. Films:
   Films frequently reinforce gender stereotypes—women are secondary characters, often depicted as weak or needing male protection, and storylines revolve around romance or family prestige.
8. Law and State:
   Legal systems regulate gender through marriage laws, age of consent, abortion rights, and criminal laws. Women often face legal disadvantages, reflecting and reinforcing societal inequalities.

Summary

Gender roles are deeply embedded in various institutions, shaping how men and women are expected to behave and what roles they occupy. Although society is changing, many traditional stereotypes and inequalities persist.