Why Men Still Can T Have It All By Richard Dorment

679 Words3 Pages

Gender norms are expectations of how people should behave based on gender. These norms influence the roles in relationships due to them being ingrained into society. However, they create expectations of each gender, which can have a negative impact on relationships. Gender norms can be harmful as they limit the potential of each individual and create an unequal power dynamic in relationships, which can lead to conflict.
In a relationship, gender norms create the expectation of men to be the dominant ones and to provide for their families. Women, on the other hand, are expected to be nurturing and to take care of the home and children. These traditional relationship roles result in an unequal power balance with the men having more power and influence. Since men are expected to provide, this gives them power over the finances. Women are then put in a dependent position relying on their partners for financial security. This can cause women to feel undervalued and create a sense of powerlessness since the men are in control. …show more content…

The pressure put on men to provide for their families financially causes men to work more. As explained in Why Men Still Can't Have It All, by Richard Dorment, “Men in dual-income couples work outside the home eleven more hours a week than their working wives or partners do” (Dorment, 11). This results in stress and tension in the relationship. The pressure can also hold men back from pursuing other interests in terms of career options. Women are also limited in their careers under these gender roles. They are not able to pursue career aspirations while simultaneously fulfilling their traditional role in the relationship of prioritizing their family. This is limiting the potential of both men and women since they are not able to grow and develop as individuals. Feelings of frustration and dissatisfaction can occur due to