Gender Roles In Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin In The Sun

Annika Lintecum

Ms. Coen

Advanced English 9

19 May 2023

Not Only Picturesque

In the late 1950s gender roles were a large part of personality, lifestyle, and a person’s place in society. The men would marry and work to support a family. The women would marry, have children, and became devoted to keeping the house clean and raising their children. Although, it is rarely that simple. These roles seemed simple to follow but women often struggled to receive the same treatment as men did. For some women, following these roles was a good thing, to others, not so much. In the play, A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry presents Mama, Ruth, and Beneatha in order to contradict and correlate the traditional gender roles, ultimately illustrating

She is the character to take action to this. Beneatha is a hardworking, driven character who is determined to become a doctor. Which was a very hard task for a woman at the time. Beneatha explains, “I’m going to be a doctor. I’m not worried about who I’m going to marry yet-if I ever get married” (Hansberry 50). She doesn’t prioritize getting married at the beginning of the play, but that changes after Assiga is introduced. However, that doesn’t change her mind about becoming a doctor which says a lot about her determination. This also expresses she is not worried about being the woman who cleans and takes care of children. She wants to pave the way for future generations. Although, she doesn’t think of it that simply. She believed there was more to a woman than being a pretty thing that sat alongside a man and watched him succeed. She should get just as much praise and love as everyone. Especially when it comes to careers and work. Walter yells to Beneatha, “Who the hell told you you had to be a doctor? If you so crazy ‘bout messing ‘round with sick people- then go be a nurse like other women- or just get married and be quiet” (Hansberry 38). This shows a perspective of a man who doesn’t think she can be what she dreams of. He belittles her as many men did to their loved ones. Beneatha is a powerful character who won’t let her screwed-up brother

All with the same common goal, being equal. Women continue to stand up for themselves as Beneatha did. Others choose to stay safer and listen to what they are told as Ruth did. Some do not prioritize gender roles in life as Mama did. Overall, it comes down to what is best for the person. Throughout the years gender roles change. Society will have expectations. It will always be that way it seems. People continue to work, support their families, love, and believe through it all. At the end of the day, gender roles don’t define who you are but, more importantly, what you can