Theme Of Gender Inequality In The Great Gatsby

While life improved after World War One, the Roaring 20s had challenges of its own, as gender inequality continued to be challenged by social norms. After the first World War, people had just started to enjoy the luxuries of life. Many forms of entertainment were becoming accessible to the average American. Men and women were careless with people and money, preferring to party over responsibilities. Society’s view of women was changing, allowing women to have a life outside of the home. They had gained status in society, however much of that remained tied to whom they married. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald illustrates gender inequality through social expectations, romantic relationships, and disproportionate financial realities.

To begin, social expectations tell what people thought about how genders should behave and how society portrays them. Daisy states in The Great Gatsby “‘I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool’” (Fitzgerald 16). Society thought of girls as beautiful things that just lie [LKB1] around being pretty and

Men held corporate positions, while women were given the freedom to stay home and spend money carelessly. In society, it was uncommon for a woman to have a job, much less a well supporting one. Women were thought to financially depend on men. Tom made a joke while discussing Jordan’s job and wealth. “How you ever get anything done is beyond me” (Fitzgerald 11). Men were unaccustomed to women being financially independent. After talking about Jordan’s wealth and financial independence, Nick became frustrated. Nick said it was a “stunned tribute” for him (Fitzgerald 10). He could hardly handle the idea of it. Tom and Nick’s responses to Jordan’s financial independence illustrate the social norms and financial realities of society at the